A true show of commitment

This past weekend I had the privilege of being part of the Ordination service for all new Ministers in the MCSA. This service marks the end of a long journey of preparation for each one of them, some being close on 9 years in the making. While the Ordination service is not the culmination of their ministry, it is a real affirmation of their gifts and calling. 

What struck me again was the level of commitment it has taken for these men and women to get to that moment. They have had to go through ups and downs, trials and triumphs, tears and laughter. So, the inevitable question arises:

Are we prepared to commit to Jesus Christ and to gear up for the long haul? What prevents us from staying the course?

"His (God) love is not a passing fancy or superficial emotion; it is a profound and unshakable commitment that seeks what is best for us." - Billy Graham 

George Barna wrote on the present state of the American church: "we are willing to expend some energy in religious activities such as attending church and reading the Bible, and they are willing to throw some money in the offering basket, but when it comes time to truly establishing their priorities and making a tangible commitment to knowing and loving God, most people stop short."

Living in Grace

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When character is lost, all is lost

Billy Graham was born on the 7th November 1918 and has arguably impacted the lives of more people than almost any other Christian leader. On this day I would like to remember the incredible legacy he left our faith and the many words of wisdom he offered to all believers. 

"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."

"I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.'

"Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ."

Today, the quote that speaks to me the most is the first one. Which one stands out for you?

Acts 17:11 - "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

Living in Grace

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The Experiment with Pleasure

The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that in order to enjoy life he tried everything that our world has to offer. It was an experiment in pleasure for him, but in the end, it still left him feeling utterly empty. Many of these pleasures gave him a little moment of happiness, but in the long run they still didn't satisfy his deepest longings.

"I said to myself, “Let’s go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!” But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it? With the help of a bottle of wine and all the wisdom I could muster, I tried my level best to penetrate the absurdity of life. I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do during the years we spend on this earth." - Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 (Message)

One of the hardest things a parent learns is that we can warn our kids that there are many things that won't satisfy their desire for a good LIFE, but in the long run they will have to learn those lessons the hard way. Solomon learnt his lessons the hard way and now he is try to tell us all that the Experiment with Pleasure is not the answer!

"We go on in our pleasures thinking they're going to last forever." - Billy Graham

"Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures." - Edwin Louis Cole

Living in Grace

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The right thing

"We may think we are doing the right thing,
    but the Lord always knows what is in our hearts.
3 Doing what is right and fair pleases the Lord
    more than an offering." - Proverbs 21:2-3

What is the right thing to do? That is often the big question we have to answer and there are seldom easy ways to figure it out. I find that using the Golden Rule from Jesus is usually the best place to start. 

"Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Love your neighbour as you love yourself."

If the 'thing' you are wanting so badly goes against one of these two commands, then there is every likelihood it is not what God would have us do. However, it is always best to ask the Spirit to help us discern this truth. Or speak to a trusted friend.

For those of you who do not know Him, choosing your eternal home is the most important decision you will ever make. Billy Graham

"You cannot make progress without making decisions. It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes." - Jim Rohn

Living in Grace

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Growing the Fruit

“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” - Billy Graham

I love the joy of climbing to the top of any mountain and then appreciating the view. The views are breath-taking and inspiring. They remind us of how small we are and how AWESOME God is. They show us a different perspective on the world we live in. 

However, despite the brilliance of the view, we realise that we can't stay on top of the mountain - that we need to come back down to reality and the 'ordinary stuff' of life. We also need to remember that crops and vegetation grow better in the valleys, in the places that may not look the best or may even get lots of shade. The FRUIT grows in the valleys!

The same can be said of our spiritual lives - the moments of inspiration keep us going, but the place where we bear the most fruit is in the valley. So, if you find yourself going through a tough time then remember that this may be producing some lasting fruit in your life. 

Jeremiah 49:4 - "...boast of your valleys so fruitful."

Living in Grace
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Blessed Mother's Day

If you are reading this then we all have something in common - we all have had Mothers. May we pause to remember them, thank them and bless them today. Even Jesus remember this mom in his dying moments on the cross.

Happy Mother's Day...

Proverbs 31:25-27
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future. 
 When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness. 
 She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.

"Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children." ~ Billy Graham

Living in Grace
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Proactive Grace

The Faith For Daily Living today mentions a interesting concept - it speaks of 'proactive grace.' As I read that phrase I marvelled at the power of those 2 words and I am convinced of their truth.

Grace is never static and it is never weak. It is the love of God that seeks us out - if you like, it is God's grace that invades our space, asking for a response. God is the initiator of all Love and so when his grace collides with my world, I need to be willing to respond in some way. Of course, I can choose to ignore God's initial contact, but God will continue to be proactive, seeking ways to engage with me. God's grace is the highest display of love we will ever encounter and God desires us to wooed by his hand of grace.

Lately, what have we done to receive God's grace?

"God's mercy and grace give me hope - for myself, and for our world." - Billy Graham

May you encounter God's proactive Grace today,
D3LM3 

Signs of change

If we are true Christ-followers, then we need to be prepared to undergo scrutiny. You may be wondering what on earth I mean by "scrutiny?" Well, I simply mean, we must be prepared for others to look at us and comment, "wow, she has changed" or "See how different that guy is - God has really changed his life!"

So, are we showing these signs of change? Can others look at us and then proclaim, "There is something different about them!"

"If conversion to Christianity makes no improvement in a man's outward actions – if he continues to be just as snobbish or spiteful or envious or ambitious as he was before – then I think we must suspect that his "conversion" was largely imaginary." ~ C.S. Lewis

"Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ." - Billy Graham

May the Holy Spirit work in us today in order to bring about some change. It may be small, but I pray that we notice the hand of God shaping our lives.

Living in Grace
D3LM3