Dealing with disappointment

As I write these words most of our lives have been turned upside down again. There are many of us who have just had the wind taken out of our sails. Covid-19 has played another hand and it has caused major disappointment for families who were planning on spending precious time together. None of us really expected the new variant of the virus to strike so quickly, but it has. And so now we deal with the disappointment. The question is how do we cope?

In truth, I am probably not the best person to answer this question, as usually I am bad at dealing with sudden disappointment. However, I am grateful for the words and wisdom of those who have also experienced this emotion and have discovered the capacity to handle it. 

“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.” - Henry David Thoreau

"Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice." - Charles Stanley

I think this quote is very helpful for us in today's climate. We very easily slip into discouragement, but I pray that we don't allow our disappointments to way to heavily on our hearts. May we turn to Christ and seek His peace.

Proverbs 23:18 - You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Christ in our Chaos - new book release

I am pleased to announce that my new book Christ in our Chaos is officially released today. This book has been awhile in the making and has been greatly influenced by the stress, turmoil and chaos of the past 18 months.

It is my prayer that God would use this material to help many people to see that Christ is still present with us, even in our times of great trial. If you would like to order a copy of the book please check out all the details on the website www.livingingrace.co.za - This is mainly for people living in South Africa.

If you have family or friends living abroad, who may benefit from reading the book, you can also order it on Amazon. It can be sent to them either via Kindle or print on demand. Thanks for your ongoing encouragement and support of this ministry. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Feeling Lost during Lockdown

Good day friends. I just wanted to share this article with you on some of my experiences during Lockdown. It is on the Scripture Union website, but you can read it here.

If you have felt a little lost at some point during lockdown then you may find the article an interesting read. It also has some connection with dealing with our grief and the things we feel we have had to let go off during these strange days.

God bless you
Living in Grace

D3LM3

Not as it seems

Things are not always as they seem.
This word 'seem' very simply means 'to give the impression of being a certain way' and it can be used in all kinds of different contexts. The important thing for me, is that when I look at a particular object or scenario, it may 'seem' in a certain way to me, but I could be wrong. Let me give you a few examples:

The world may seem to be flat if I look at it from the perspective of a few hundred meters. However, when I look at it from outer space, then I realise that it is far from being flat.

The earth may seem to be stable and not moving at all. However, we know that in fact our planet is constantly moving around the sun and also rotating around it's own axis.

Lockdown may seem to be going on for eternity, but in truth it has only been 50 days!

The writer of Proverbs says it like this:

"There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death."-  Proverbs 14:12

In following Jesus, we can't always see the bigger picture, but I believe that it is important for us to trust in God's ways and plans. Even if things seem to a mess, we must believe in Jesus' willingness to guide us into the path of peace and righteousness.

Phaedrus - "Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many."

Living in Grace
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The empty Manger

We are so accustomed to hearing the word 'manger' only around Christmas time, but in today's reading from Proverbs we note that it pops up again.

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests." - Proverbs 14:4

What Proverbs is referring to is when there are no animals to work the fields, then the manger/crib/trough will be empty. This is not speaking about the feeding trough of the animals, but rather the collection of the food that is stored in the manger. 

The second half of the proverb then reminds the listeners that when you have oxen to plough the fields, then there will be a harvest in the right season. The strength of the working animals helps the farmers to get their work done and so secure food for their future. There is a lovely synergy between the farmer and his animals. They both depend on each other. 

I couldn't help relating the huge impact of Covid-19 on the ability of people to work at the moment. Although we are slowly moving down the stages of Lockdown, there are still many millions of people who are not able to work. And when there is no one working, then families are experiencing 'empty' mangers.

Let us pray that people are soon able to get back to work and provide the 'harvests' for their families.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Wisdom as a Person - a new insight

If you enjoy the collection of Proverbs you will note that the flow of chapters 1 to 9 is different from the later Proverbs. In the first 9 chapters, we see that the writer (Solomon?) speaks about wisdom as being an abstract object - almost as a character trait that we all need to get and then hold onto.

However, in the focal point of the first 9 Chapters, Solomon suddenly changes his language and now starts to speak about Wisdom as a PERSON. Now, this is not really a huge jump to make because Wisdom is referred to as 'sophia' in Greek and 'hokmah' in Hebrew - both of these are female personifications. (So ladies you can now joke with us men-folk that you are the truly WISE ones :)

What is more, when we read about this WISDOM, we note the massive parallels with the person of Jesus. The Apostle John wrote about Jesus that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!" (John 1). Now this may be a little tricky to understand at first, but very simply, John was reminding us that Jesus was present in the beginning of Creation. From this understanding we get our concept of the Trinity.

Now, as we read Proverbs 8:22-33, we see that Solomon is suggesting the same thing. This person, referred to as Wisdom, could really be referring to Jesus, the Messiah. Take a read of these words and see what you think...

"From the beginning, I was with the Lord.
    I was there before he began to create the earth.
At the very first, the Lord gave life to me.
When I was born, there were no oceans
    or springs of water.
My birth was before mountains were formed
    or hills were put in place.
It happened long before God
    had made the earth or any of its fields
    or even the dust.

I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place
    and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea.
I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky
    and created the springs that fill the ocean.
I was there when he set boundaries for the sea
    to make it obey him, and when he laid foundations
    to support the earth.

I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build.
I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side.
I was pleased with his world
    and pleased with its people.

Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice,
    and you will be happy.

Listen carefully to my instructions,
    and you will be wise."

Regardless of how we feel about this possible connection with the Christ, Wisdom is a necessity for all of us, especially as we navigate through turbulent waters. Let us turn to the Wisdom of Jesus and also pray for those who lead us through our current Pandemic.

So many people would like to have guidance from God because obviously, if you have a word from God, it's the best possible thing. But they don't relate that to life as a whole. Often they want guidance as a way of opting out of the responsibility of making decisions. Dallas Willard
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/guidance-quotes

"So many people would like to have guidance from God because obviously, if you have a word from God, it's the best possible thing. But they don't relate that to life as a whole. Often they want guidance as a way of opting out of the responsibility of making decisions." - Dallas Willard

So many people would like to have guidance from God because obviously, if you have a word from God, it's the best possible thing. But they don't relate that to life as a whole. Often they want guidance as a way of opting out of the responsibility of making decisions. Dallas Willard
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/guidance-quotes

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It is more than listening

"Listen to me, young people, and not only listen but obey; don’t let your desires get out of hand..." - Proverbs 7:24-25

It is so frustrating when you speak to someone and it seems like they are listening to you, but they are actually in another world. I am sure that this has happened to you before and, if we are honest, we have also been the ones ignoring someone else. 

The reason I bring this up today is because 'listening' to the word of God is only half of the process. We must take the time to listen to what God says, but we must also have the desire to obey these life-giving words.

Coming back to the lockdown we are all experiencing at the moment - there are many people who listen to the instructions of the government (which are given for our safety), but who can't be bothered to obey them. Take for example, the guy who tried to smuggle his girlfriend into another province - it was almost comical to see her lying in the boot of the car while the TV camera's were taking pictures and footage of their transgressions. She looked so sheepish and embarrassed.

Listening and then obeying God's word is not only important for our spiritual health, but also for our relationships and community well-being.

What do you think?

"It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey." - Saint Ignatius

"The ship that will not obey the helm will have to obey the rocks." - English Proverb

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Wearing wisdom like a Face Mask

Everywhere we go in these times of Coronavirus it is important for us to wear our face masks. Despite all the debate about their effectiveness, they do play a vital role in stopping the virus from spreading - and they should teach us to stop touching our mouths with germ-filled hands :)

In a different kind of way, Solomon advices us to wear wisdom like a scarf around our necks (or maybe our mouths) - he says we should wrap ourselves from head to foot in the beauty of God's wisdom.

Good friend, follow your father’s good advice;
    don’t wander off from your mother’s teachings.
Wrap yourself in them from head to foot;
    wear them like a scarf around your neck.
Wherever you walk, they’ll guide you;
    whenever you rest, they’ll guard you;
    when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next.
For sound advice is a beacon,
    good teaching is a light,
    moral discipline is a life path. (Proverbs 6:20-23 - Message)

And so the challenge is there before us - we need to let wisdom guide us where-ever we walk.
When we rest, let us allow godly wisdom to be our guards. And even when we wake up during time of lockdown, let us call out to Wisdom to guide us.

Wisdom from Jesus Christ will be a beacon of hope and a light for our paths.

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.” -  Elisabeth Elliot

Living in Grace
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Common sense

Common sense?!
Well, it seems to me that 'sense' may not be as 'common' as we think it is, especially when you look at some responses to the plea for social distancing and caution during lockdown. And what is more - what I think is common sense, may not be your version of sense at all. When the writer of Proverbs shares his thoughts with the people of Israel he makes a special plea for people to hold onto common sense:

"My child, 
Don't lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang onto them,
for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a nacklace.
They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly." - Proverbs 3:21-24 (NLT)

Just to back up these ancient words of wisdom, here are a few more quotes - just for the fun of it :)

"Common sense is like deodrant. The people who need it the most never use it." - Anon

“Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.” - Samuel Coleridge

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” - Thomas A. Edison 

“Common sense is not so common.” -  Voltaire

Stay safe my friends and let us practice 'common sense' and discernment during our time of lockdown.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Tuning in

Over the last 4 weeks I have found myself tuning into the radio and TV channels more than I have done so for months. Just like many of you, I have been keen to know what is happening with the Corona Pandemic and to hear how things are unfolding all around us. On occasions, I have even skipped from one news bulletin to another, all with the hope of finding some good news to hold onto.

When Solomon speaks about the benefits of Wisdom he encourages the listeners to "tune your ears to wisdom and concerntrate on understanding" (Proverbs 2:2 - NLT).

The purpose of his call to "tune in" to wisdom is to charge people with the responsibility of searching for the right news. There is so much fake news going around, that it is imperative that we listen out for the most reliable sources of information, as these will inform us and guide us into the correct paths.

"God grants a treasure of common sense to the honest." v.7

"Then you will understand what is right, just and fair." v.9

Socrates sums up a good understanding of seeking wisdom and to know the things of God:

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Remembering the Titanic

The 15th April 1912 was a day that many people of that generation (and those since) would never forget. It was the day the unsinkable Titanic hit an iceberg and sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, taking around 1300 lives with her. Many survivors shared their insight on how that day changed their lives, one of them being Jack Thayer, the son of a railroad millionaire:

“There was peace and the world had an even tenor to its ways. From time to time there were events — earthquakes, floods — which stirred the sleeping world, but not enough to keep it from resuming its slumber. It seems to me that this disaster not only made the world rub its eyes and awake, but woke it with a start, keeping it moving at a rapidly accelerating pace ever since, with less and less peace and happiness. To my mind, the world of today awoke on April 15, 1912.”

I find his words haunting.

If you had to read his observations from the viewpoint of our time - being stuck in lockdown and the global impact of Covid-19, then they sound even more scary. I pray that this would not be true for our generation. We can't simply go back to living life as normal - let alone, allowing life to accelearte away from us. And what we desperately seek is 'peace' and 'happiness' not turmoil and more heartache.

The writer of Proverbs was right when he called out to us...

²⁰ Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces, ²¹ calling loudly at the city gates and wherever people come together:
²² “Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn? ²³ Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you. ²⁴ I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me. ²⁵ You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you." - Proverbs 1:20-25 (Good News Translation)

What do you think?
 
Living in Grace
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27b - When we don't know how it ends!

So what did the discples really think and feel on the day after Jesus' cruel death? As I read
Matthew 27:61 I picture a distraught group of ladies sitting and staring at Jesus' tomb, through the mist of their tear-stained eyes.

"Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb." 

What else is there to think at a time like this? Your friend and Rabbi lies a few meters from you, hidden behind a huge Stone boulder. You are so close to him, but still so far away.  Remember that they hadn't quite understood what Jesus meant by being raised to life. Perhaps if they had, then they would have been dealing with their sense of loss in a totally different way.

I always feel that we are so privileged to encounter the Easter story knowing how the whole week ends up. When you know the story has a 'Good News' ending you are much happier to go through the painful parts first. 

It is hard not to draw a parallel with Covid-19 at this point. As a planet we find ourselves on the "Saturday" of the Easter story. There is death, depair and disappointment all around us. 
We don't know how long lockdown will be. 
We don't know if the virus will impact our homes, schools, churches. 
We don't know if we will get salaries at the end of the month.
We don't know how many people will get sick.
We just don't know! 

Of course, decades from now, people will be reviewing history and they willl experience Covid-19 with different eyes - they will know how it ends and when it ends. This doesn't help us at all, except it puts us right back in the shoes of the first disciples. How will we react to the uncertainty of our futures? How will we trust in our Saviour, when he seems far away?

Friends, I do not have neat answers for us, execpt to note that this story has played out before. Darkness will be overcome by light.
Hope replaces despair.
Courage suppresses fear.

All we are asked to do is this: "Trust in the Lord your God. Lean not on your own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge God and he will direct our paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Living in Grace
D3LM3 

Who could Stand?

 

<sup>As many of us have already noticed there are a myriad of opinions on Covid-19 at the moment and some Christians have added their weight behind God punishing the world for her sins. I will not make any comments on this, except to point out what the lectionary Psalm for this week says:

"</sup>If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,    so that we can, with reverence, serve you." - Psalm 130:3-4

I see this as a clear reminder that if God was in the business of recording my sins, then I would be first in line to receive eternal punishment. And dare I say, you could be standing in the same line with me. Not one of us would stand as being innocent.

However, the Psalmist is quick to point out that with God there is FORGIVENESS and this is the best gift of all. In our season of Lent we should hear the joyful song that offers to fill our hearts with Hope and Awe - "I am a sinner who receives God's amazing grace!" 

From this acknowledgement of Mercy I then choose to live a life of reverence and service to my Saviour.

Question: Does this following verse sound like a God who would delight in destroying people?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." - John 3:16-17

Prayer: Lord, keep me from pronouncing judgement on other people, lest I implicate myself in these charges. Guide us as we seek to offer your Love and Hope to those who have forgotten you or who are searching for redemption. Amen.


Living in Grace
D3LM3 


"If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
    who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
    and that’s why you’re worshiped." - The Message

A new definition of Grace

Our world operates on the following system: You do something for me and then you get your reward! You put in your hours at work, then you will get paid.
You put in your miles in training and then you will reap the reward in the marathon.
You study hard and you will get the results.
No effort - no reward.

But Covid-19 is teaching us all something different. It is teaching us to understand GRACE in a different light. It is not anything new, but it is certainly urging us to relook at the way we treat each other and how we give to others.
Do I only give love to those who offer me something first?
Do I support you, because you support me?
Do I only call you once you have made the first move?

The initial spark for this post came from the contact we had with the lovely lady who helps us in our home. She only comes to work every second week, but we know that she depends on that daily wage so so much. When we offered to pay her for 'not coming to work' she seemed surprised at first, but extremely grateful. I am sure she was deeply anxious about feeding her family at this time and we were able to help her in a real way.

I share this not to try and look good, but to say how this little incident taught me more about GRACE than I realised. God doesn't love me because I have been good. Nor does God promise us his peace once we have put in some effort or ticked a bunch of religious boxes.
God loves me....full stop!
And it is in this overwhelming love that God desires to woo me back to himself.

Grace is God's gift to us and not my reward for being holy - and this makes all the difference. Grace is always undeserved favour given to us by God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it.

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