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

D3LM#

Make use of - do not abuse!

I have been reminded again of the call for believers to set the example in making use of what we have been given, but not to abuse this gift. The Lord gave us the privilege of taking care of his creation (Genesis 2:15), yet somehow, we have abused this gift, and we are facing the consequence of our actions.

John Wesley once wrote, “God has made man [humankind] as the steward of the earth, but not as the proprietor. We are to use it as entrusted to us, not to abuse it.”

Psalm 24:1 reminds us that the creation belongs to the Lord and not us:

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters."

What can we do to help?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Ritual without compassion

Abraham Heschel, the Jewish theologian, once said: “Ritual without compassion is the worship of nothing.”

These words stem from his reflection on Isaiah 58, where the prophet (Isaiah) challenged the people of God to make sure their worship translated into transformed lives and compassion to others.

James put it in these familiar words: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17)

Thought: In what way has your worship experience moved you to acts of compassion?

Living in grace

D3LM3

Having faith doesn't mean having no difficulties

"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone." - Pope Francis

While the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader, it is fitting to dwell on some of the wisdom from the late Pope Francis. His life was lived in obedience to Christ and although he was not perfect, he modelled for Christians the tricky dilemma of 'faith in action.' It is easy to speak about God and the things of faith, but to live them out sincerely is the true test of our obedience.

"The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love."

Romans 4:20 - "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."

Living in Grace

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Simply Absurd!

 

"It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe, in Him, if you do not do anything He tells you." - George MacDonald

Nineteen century preacher and writer George MacDonald had an incredible way with words. In just a few of his quotes we get to see the depth of the man, as well as his remarkable faith. Here are a few examples of his thinking. It is my prayer that these words would inspire us all to live Godly lives, especially as we begin to move into the season of advent.

Forgiveness unleashes joy. It brings peace. It washes the slate clean. It sets all the highest values of love in motion.

God is nearer to you than any thought or feeling of yours... Do not be afraid.

Deuteronomy 4:7 - "For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him."

Living in Grace

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No accidental progress

"A true and faithful Christian does not make holy living an accidental thing. It is his great concern. As the business of the soldier is to fight, so the business of the Christian is to be like Christ." - Jonathan Edwards

The first thing that struck me about this quote is that following Jesus can't be an 'accidental thing'. We don't become more and more like Jesus by some random chain of events. We become more like Christ, by imitating the ways of Jesus. 

Of course, one of the keys to holy living is to spend time in the sacred scriptures. It is these words that offer us direction, wisdom, grace and Life.

Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

What can you do to be more intentional about following Jesus?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What is a Christian?

In response to the question: What is a Christian? (or maybe it should read 'Who' is a Christian), Augustine offers these thoughts: 

"A Christian is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps." - St. Augustine

What do you feel about this? 

Would you add anything else to his quote?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13

Living in Grace

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Guidance and the willingness to act

“Do not ask God for guidance if you aren’t willing to move your feet.” - Anon

So often we are guilty of asking God for the necessary guidance, but then we expect God to airlift us to the finish line. However, this requires no act of faith on our behalf. God may give us the goal, the direction, the guidance, but God expects us to move our feet. 

Matthew 14:28-29 - “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

The first step is usually the hardest to take, but from then on, just move one foot in front of the other.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Use your whole body

Did you know that applying wisdom in our daily lives requires using all of our senses - actually using our whole body and not just our minds?

I didn't quite connect those dots, until I read Proverbs 4 very slowly. When you read through these words from Solomon, notice the words that are underlined (by me) and see how obeying God is much more than just listening. We need to response with our whole being.

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
²¹ Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
²² for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

²³ Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

²⁴ Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

²⁵ Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
²⁶ Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
²⁷ Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." - Proverbs 4:20-27

 Billy Sunday - “The Bible will always be full of things you cannot understand, as long as you will not live according to those you can understand.”

Living in Grace

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The Watershed Moment

John told his followers about the gift of the Spirit long before Pentecost. Of course, most people couldn't fully grasp what he was saying, until the actual moment took place. God chose the annual feast of Pentecost to pour out the Spirit upon the entire Church - what perfect timing. From this point on (the Watershed Moment) the people of God were mobilised to share the Good News without fear.

 

Matthew 3:11 - “I baptise with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

 

As always Eugene Peterson puts these words into language we can all relate too.

 

“I’m baptising you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.”

 

The real action of our faith comes from the inspiration of the Spirit.

The Spirit ignites the Kingdom of God in us.

The Spirit changes us from the inside out.

We serve in the drama of the faith, but the main character is always JESUS.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What are you Restless about?

 

Restlessness can be a good thing.
(Of course, it can equally be a debilitating ache that drains all emotional energy from our lives.) However, today, I want to focus on the positive aspect of becoming RESTLESS. When we discover that we are feeling restless about something it can drive us towards action. Take a look at Psalm 132 and note David's restlessness and the language he uses to respond to his feelings:



Psalm 132.

² He swore an oath to the Lord,
    he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
³ “I will not enter my house
    or go to my bed,
⁴ I will allow no sleep to my eyes
    or slumber to my eyelids,
⁵ till I find a place for the Lord,
    a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

He was restless because the Ark of the Covenant had no 'home'. David had built himself a beautiful palace, but he realised he had neglected to provide for the Lord and the Ark. His restlessness lead to him acting and starting to build the Temple.

What is making you restless today? Can you do something about it?

Living in Grace
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We all need ENCOURAGEMENT at times

·  

I have never heard someone says these words: "Please don't encourage me - I have had enough encouragement for today!" 

     Truth be told, we can all do with a little more ENCOURAGEMENT at times, because we certainly have lots to discourage us. When Paul was nearing Rome, he had a lot of people come alongside him and offer him words of strength and help. The very sight of these people encouraged him for his final part of the journey.

    Acts 28:15 - At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 

   Maybe there are some people in your life who could do with a word of 'cheer' today. Even if it takes a little effort, why don't you message them.

God bless

  Living in Grace

D3LM3

35 - Don't stay silent

"O Lord, you know all about this.
    Do not stay silent.
    Do not abandon me now, O Lord.
²³ Wake up! Rise to my defense!
    Take up my case, my God and my Lord.
²⁴ Declare me not guilty, O Lord my God, for you give justice.
    Don’t let my enemies laugh about me in my troubles.
²⁵ Don’t let them say, “Look, we got what we wanted!    Now we will eat him alive!” - Psalm 35:22-25 (NLT)

Did you notice how many times David pleads with God to ACT, even if some of them are in a round about way. He asks God: 
To Speak, 
To Accompany him
To Wake up
To Rise up 
To Defend
To Declare "not guilty"
To be Just
To quieten others who laugh
To change the voices of his oppressors.

God is a GOD who ACTS on our behalf. God is on our side and God will defend us in the times of trial. Be reassured of that this day. Even when things seem to be turning out differently, God is acting for us.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

It needs more than a GOOD Idea

There are many wonderful ideas out there. People come up with weird and brilliant suggestions to change the world or to make life easier. Good intentions get us started onto the path of changing our city or country, but sadly many of these ideas remain just that .... random thoughts in the mind of someone.

Ideas only become reality when people put these thoughts and ideas to work. Can you imagine what the world would have been like if God had thought - "It would be a good idea to send a Saviour to planet Earth", but then God didn't actually do anything about it?

Or imagine Jesus thinking this - "I should get together a group of people who will follow me and then I can teach them the ways of my Father!" But, in the end, Jesus forgets about this Idea and lives out his days working as a carpenter!

There is an old saying that goes like this: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."As you reflect on this, ask the Lord to prompt you into action. What ideas has God given you that need to come to LIFE!? Remember this: It takes more than a Good Idea to change the world - it requires some action!

Living in Grace
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Daleth - living active FAITH

The 4th letter in the Hebrew alphabet is Daleth - it just so happens to begin with a 'D', which is also the fourth letter in the English language (which makes it easier to remember).

In his reflection on his relationship with Yahweh, David writes some interesting thoughts in Psalm 119:25-32. As you read these words, notice the tone of his writi
ng. He uses many words of 'INTENTION' - words that speak of his active faith. He uses words that describe part of his spiritual journey as being something one needs to act out. Faith is not something that we are bystanders in, but rather God invites us to be active participants in this relationship.

 I have underlined just a few on them in the passage.

²⁶ I told you my plans, and you answered.
    Now teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ I weep with sorrow;
    encourage me by your word.
²⁹ Keep me from lying to myself;
    give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
³⁰ I have chosen to be faithful;
    I have determined to live by your regulations.
³¹ I cling to your laws.
    Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
³² I will pursue your commands,
    for you expand my understanding.

•  Terry Williams - "This is my living faith, an active faith, a faith of verbs..."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

It crossed my mind

"The thought crossed my mind!"

When we say this we can almost picture that "thought" popping into our minds and then floating into the distance. Sometimes we need to allow that thought to lodge in our minds and to act on it. If we allow too many thoughts to cross our minds, without holding onto them, then we run the risk of just 'thinking' about things and not acting.

So, if you have a constructive/helpful thought cross your mind today, then please act on it - it may just bless someone else's life.

Psalm 10:4 - "In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God."

Isaiah 55:9 -  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Living in Grace
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Good question

In some of his writings, Thomas a Kempis contemplates the value of 'knowledge' without putting it into practise.

"If you knew the entire Bible by heart and were familiar with all the philosophers, what good would it all be without the love of God and his grace?"

I think that this is a brilliant observation and question. We should never gain just 'head knowledge' of the Scriptures, without allowing the essence of truth to transform our lives.

What do you think?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3