Let us remember

"God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob." - Exodus 2:24

In a week that focuses on 'Remembrance', (both the call to mark Remembrance Day, as well as some people choose to remember Guy Fawkes), it is important for us to note that God always remembers his people, and so we are challenged to remember Jesus and his call on our lives.

Luke 24:8 - Then they remembered his words.

Acts 20:35 - In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 

Living in Grace

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Through the strength of God

“We are used to viewing the early apostles as superstars on a pedestal that we can easily forget that they were pitifully inadequate for the task which they were given.” – Phil Moore

This quote brings us back to the reality that the disciples were simply 'human', just like we are. They allowed the Holy Spirit to equip them and strengthen them for all the tasks that lay ahead, even when they didn't know what these would be. How often have we been confronted with a task or situation that we have felt ill-equipped for, and God has come through for us? I know that this has happened to me many times.

Thought: What are you facing today that you need to be reminded of God's strength and provision?

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13

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Waiting, waiting, waiting!

It seems that the Lord is trying to teach me (and a few of you) the valuable lesson of waiting. I am not a patient person, so this is a tough lesson to be learning again! I had hoped that by the time I was in my 50's I would be a lot better at this discipline, but alas, it seems I am not! 

Thankfully, the Bible speaks on this issue in many places, and I am grateful for the words of advice that can help me in my wrestling. So, if you find yourself in a similar boat, I offer you some words of solace and may God grant us all the ability to 'wait patiently.'

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about." - Acts 1:8

Psalm 37:7 - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;"

Isaiah 26:8 - "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."

Living in Grace

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Qualifications needed?

I am fascinated at how the early church chosen 7 people to sort out a crisis in their midst. On face value, they could have just appointed people in an ad hoc kind of way, but they took the situation serious and sought out the best people for the job. Read what Luke says:

"But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.  And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility." - Acts 6:1-3

In serving the Lord, God doesn't need all the bells and whistles, but he does need people who are full of the Spirit. I think this is a beautiful way to level the playing field and this opens up ministry to anyone who is willing to allow God to fully take over our lives.

Reflection: Do you feel that you are full of the Spirit? Why or why not? What can you do to make a change today?

Living in Grace

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Unusual Kindness

Alan Brehm - "We find what we're looking for in life when we give ourselves away in kindness and compassion for others, rather than trying to take as much as we can get for ourselves."

I know I have said this before, but it bears repeating - "our world is in need of more kindness!" We have become self-absorbed and consumed with trying to 'get' for ourselves, that we have overlooked those in need of God's kindness. 

When Luke recounts what happened on the island of Malta, he notes that they were treated with unusual kindness.

"The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold." - Acts 28:2

What may have shocked Luke and Paul the most was that they didn't expect the locals in Malta to be kind to them. Perhaps they had already pre-judged them? Kindness offers us a chance to re-evaluate the way we think and feel about people. 

If God treats us with unusual kindness, then perhaps we should learn to offer this same kindness to others. 

Living in Grace

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Start by listening to the stories of others

When Paul spoke to the learned people in Athens, he noted that they had built a statue “to an unknown God!” (Acts 17:23). They had done this as a safety measure,  just in case they had missed out on one of the many gods – they wanted to cover all their bases. 

What I like about Paul's response to this statue is that he didn't dismiss their religious efforts outright, but rather used it as a bridge to the gospel of Jesus. We would be wise to use this approach even in our own lives as people are still seeking God today. Sadly they are not looking for God in the church, as the church may have failed a lot of people over the years. 

However, it is good to remember that we are not offering them the church (per se), we are offering them Jesus.

Philip Moore offers us this advice: “Luke tells us to stop dismissing people’s stories and instead use them to point people towards Jesus. When we listen for ways to build bridges and point out Jesus where people have missed him, opportunities to call people to repentance are never far away. God is looking for tour guides – ordinary people like you and me.”

What do you make of this? 

Whose story do you need to listen to today? 

Living in Grace

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A most unique gift

When we receive gifts from loved ones and friends, it is usually an indication of a deeper relationship between us. I mean, how often do you give gifts to someone you don't really appreciate and enjoy? I can't recall ever doing that.

We are reminded that at Pentecost God gave us the greatest gift of all - Himself. Jesus had been explaining to his followers that they should expect this GIFT, but in true fashion, no one knew what this gift would be. 

Acts 1:4 - On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."

"Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”  - John 4:10

The challenge for us all is what we will do with this most unique and indispensable gift. Sadly, too many of us have left the gift unopened and unused.

Living in Grace

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God's timing

Many of us have a constant need to know what's going on and when! However, LIFE has an uncanny way of keeping these two things a mystery for us. Perhaps this is why Jesus reminded his disciples of this powerful truth:

Acts 1:7 (Message) - He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit.

We need to be content with the gift of the Spirit (which should never be seen as the second prize by-the-way). He will lead us into the knowledge of all things. Timing is the Father's business.

As I write these words, I am busy recovering from my first case of Covid, so these words are intriguing for me. Is it just a case of 'God's timing' or 'it was eventually gonna happen?'  

Makes one think, doesn't?

Living in Grace

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P.S. I apologise for the lack of blogs over the last couple of days, but I have barely made it off the bed. I appreciate the prayers and support. Stay safe. 

The road to freedom

We all want to experience Freedom. 

Being 'free' can be expressed in a variety of ways - from having the freedom of speech, freedom to vote, freedom to live and work where we want, freedom to practise our faith and so on. However, what many people forget is that freedom always comes at cost. It is ironic that Freedom is never Free!

"...the road to freedom is via the cross." - Albert Luthuli 

When Jesus died on the cross, God invited humanity to receive his forgiveness and to be set from from the bondage of sin. Our freedom comes at the cost of Jesus' life. 

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36

"Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin." - Acts 13:39

Living in Grace

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What is Epiphany and how does it change my life?

We have the word before, but what does it really mean? Epiphany!

Epiphany is the English form of word that means 'manifestation' in Greek. It is directly related to the occasion where Jesus is presented to the Magi and they offer him their gifts. It symbolises that the message of the Good News is 'manifest' or 'offered' to the Gentiles for the very first time (Matthew 2) and so this becomes a historic moment. If you would like to read a good source on the background to Epiphany you can click here. 

In our Church tradition Epiphany is also linked with the Baptism of Jesus, which is remembered at this time of the year. God's love and delight in his son are clearly made manifest in the proclamation from the heavens which says, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:23) 

So, how does this change my life and should I even bother remembering this feast day? The answer to this question is really up to you, but I find it helpful to mark this day as a day of Gratitude. As a non-Jewish person I am delighted that God's gift of salvation is also offered to me. I am overwhelmed that God delights in us and that God made a way for us to know Him. Of course, I don't need to wait for the 6th January to remember this glorious gift, but it does make sense to mark this occasion just after the birth of Jesus.

What are your thoughts on this? What gifts can we bring to Jesus. 

Luke 2:32 - "...a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Acts 11:18 - “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Living in Grace

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Providence

The timeless issue of Providence has reared it's head again as I have been reflecting on Esther's story. I have to admit that it is not always as simple as some make it out to be. Just as we seem to find a suitable answer for God's Providence, then we are thrown a curve ball of sorts. In order to try and wrestle with Scriptures like the following one, I have turned to a few famous authors to seek their collective wisdom:

Acts 24:2 - Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence... (KJV)

This is what these authors say:

"He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him alright." - Blaise Pascal

Providence is wonderfully intricate. Ah! You want always to see through Providence, do you not? You never will, I assure you. You have not eyes good enough. You want to see what good that affliction was to you; you must believe it. You want to see how it can bring good to the soul; you may be enabled in a little time; but you cannot see it now; you must believe it. Honor God by trusting Him." - Charles Spurgeon

Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God's ordering and permission. There is no such thing as "chance," "luck" or "accident" in the Christian's journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are "working together" for the believer's good." - J. C. Ryle

What do you make of Providence? And is there a connection with Predestination in this?

Living in Grace

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New tasks

The last year has increased our capacity to deal with unwanted change and to equip ourselves with the skills need for new tasks. In the ministry I have had to learn to adapt and have often felt totally out of my depth and comfort zone. The reading from Acts 6 takes us back to a time when the church was expanding and they disciples needed to make some decisions and changes. They decided the following:

"Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.” (The Message)

While, they decided to focus on what they were equipped to do, they let others get on with the other tasks, in order to allow the church to flourish. This is always a challenge for us in the church. I have learnt to rely on the amazing gifts of God's people and to work together as a team - we all need each other in order to move the Kingdom forward.

One of the things I have begun to do is put a few of my messages, bible studies and podcasts onto a new hosting app called Anchor. If you haven't visited it before, please take a look when you have time. Thanks. 

https://anchor.fm/delme-living-in-grace

Living in Grace

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Dreaming dreams

Sometimes God speaks to us in different and unique ways. We are grateful to Iris Gouws for sharing with all of us her recent encounter with Jesus.  

On 28th February at 6:45 am I was woken up with a wonderful dream. I was talking with a group of people telling them that Jesus is coming soon when suddenly He (Jesus) was standing right there with us! Oh, the joy I experienced!! Can't describe it, it was absolutely amazing.

I have taken some time to reflect on this dream and the thought that has come to me is this - let us be sure in our own hearts that we are ready to meet our Saviour, no one knows exactly when He (Jesus) will return, but this is an encouragement for us all to be sure of our faith, because He is coming soon. 

In Acts 2:17 we read - "...and your old men shall dream dreams. I have never before had a dream with such clarity, I knew it was Jesus standing there, my heart was so full of joy. Knowing that my Saviour is coming soon."

Question: How has God been speaking to you during this season of Lent? 

Living in Grace

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Books for 2021

I suppose it is not a surprise to you, but I love reading. I managed to get through a large number of books in 2020 and am setting my sights on a lot more this year. As a way of discovering what you are reading and perhaps what you can recommend, I am creating a list of 21 books I would like to read this year. If you have some suggestions, please send them my way. I have had some great ideas already via Facebook, but I realise not everyone is on FB.

This is the book I am reading at the moment (see the picture) - it is a great holiday read and I love historical novels.

Remember that reading is not only good for our brains, but also wonderful for our souls (or so I believe). It can also help you fall asleep at night, if the book is very boring :)

Acts 8:30 - Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

"She read books as one would breathe air. To fill up and live." - Annie Dillard

Looking forward to you suggestions. God bless. 

Living in Grace

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The deafening noise!

                                                            

We have been opening up our church on a Thursday for a time of quiet reflection and prayer. It has been a wonderful way of listening to the Lord and feeding our spirits. 

However, today things were different! The municipality has been fixing burst waters pipes and the roads outside our church for a while and today was the the day the jackhammers came to town! Wow, it was loud! Even the sound of music couldn't drown out the noise and I have to admit finding 'peace' was tough! And so this got me thinking:

"How does the noise of our lives distract us from listening the voice of God?" 

"What loud noises make it hard for us to prayer and focus on the things of Jesus?"

Acts 21:40 - Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet; soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them" (LB)

Isaiah 17:12-13 - Oh my! Thunder! A thundering herd of people! Thunder like the crashing of ocean waves! Nations roaring, roaring, like the roar of a massive waterfall, Roaring like a deafening Niagara! But God will silence them with a word… "

Jeremiah 51:55 - For the Lord is destroying Babylon. He will silence her loud voice.

Living in Grace

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It takes Courage

“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

There is so much truth in this single quote. Whatever you and I choose to do in LIFE we are going to need COURAGE to get it done. This applies especially to the most important things in our lives.
Even following Jesus takes Courage. We may be living in communities where it is easier to say we are Christians, but many followers of Jesus need huge courage just to confess their faith.

Whatever you are facing today, may God give you courage.

Acts 4:13 - When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Living in Grace
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Obedience is the hard part

 

Jim Wallis – “The great tragedy of modern evangelism is in calling many to belief but few to obedience.”

Somehow we have slowly skewed our understanding of 'giving our lives to Christ.' In the early Church, it meant a deep commitment to discipleship - following the Jesus way, wherever that would take us. 

In time, we moved this to understand that salvation was only important for when you die - get the ticket for heaven and you will be okay. Jim Wallis is absolutely correct - our call should be one of a sincere calling to obey Christ. Of course, this starts with the initial belief in a loving Redeemer, but that is only the beginning. The rest is "an obedience in the same direction" (Eugene Peterson).

1 Samuel 15:22 - Samuel said, “Which does the Lord prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? It is better to obey him than to sacrifice the best sheep to him.

Acts 20:22 - And now, in obedience to the Holy Spirit I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.

 

Living in Grace

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Unmistakable - Ezekiel 10

Ezekiel 10:3-5 - The cherubim were standing at the south end of the Temple when the man went in, and the cloud of glory filled the inner courtyard. ⁴ Then the glory of the Lord rose up from above the cherubim and went over to the entrance of the Temple. The Temple was filled with this cloud of glory, and the courtyard glowed brightly with the glory of the Lord. ⁵ The moving wings of the cherubim sounded like the voice of God Almighty and could be heard even in the outer courtyard.

As we read through Ezekiel's remarkable vision in today's chapter, I am amazed at how tangible God's presence was. It is almost "UNMISTAKABLE" that God is present in the Temple. Whether it was through the cloud, the bright glow or the moving wings, Ezekiel KNEW that God was close at hand. 

After a few days of very negative words from Ezekiel it is a lovely to sense a shift in this book. He shows us an image of God who wants to make himself known to his people. Let us remember this as we move along towards Easter. God is real and God's presence can be experienced. 

Acts 6:8 -  Stephen, brimming with God’s grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them. (MSG)

Living in Grace
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Turning in Circles

 

Have you noticed how dogs turn around in a circle before they lie down? Sometimes they do this more than once and it is interesting to watch. There are a number of different opinions as to why they do this, but the one that made the once sense appeared in this article - In essence it suggested that this behaviour in dogs has been passed down from generation to generation and the purpose of the 'spinning' is to flatten out their beds before they lie down. It makes sense, I guess, as dogs used to sleep outside on the grass/fields and they wanted to make their 'beds' more comfortable before they went to sleep.

So here is my take on this action and how it could speak some truth into our lives.

We may be tempted to make our 'beds' (lives) more and more comfortable, but we can never eliminate all bumps and stones from our paths. The most important action of our lives that involves some 'turning' is that of repenting - we should focus on turning from the things that hinder our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:21 - I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

Take Home Thought: The Christian Life is not always comfortable and this should not be our highest aim in following Jesus. 

Living in Grace
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We all need ENCOURAGEMENT at times

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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

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