Don't forget Mondays

I read an inspiring devotion the other day that was entitled: "Don't forget Mondays!" The author made the comment that God is very popular on Sundays, with millions of people attending worship services around the globe. However, he points out that many people seem to then forget about following God on Mondays (through to Saturday). 

The challenge for every follower of Jesus is to remember God throughout the week, not just on a Sunday. 

Luke 9:23 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Thought: How do you manage to keep your eyes on Christ throughout the week? What habits have you found to be helpful?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

4000 posts - What a remarkable journey, taking it one day at a time!

 

Today, marks a huge milestone for me and the 'Living in Grace' ministry. When I started out writing my thoughts and reflections in 2007, I never dreamt that I would one day reach 4000 blog posts. I am truly humbled by God's grace and guidance over the past 17 years; as well as being deeply encouraged by your willingness to read, comment and share my 'ramblings.' So, I thank you from the depth of my heart for being a part of this ministry.

As I reflect on the writing journey, I feel that it has only been possible by taking it one day at a time. I know that it sounds like a cliche, but this has been my reality. In the ideal world, I would love to have a few days each week to sit and write, but my life doesn't give me that gift at present. However, by choosing to be intentional for 20 minutes day, I have witnessed how God can add the collective minutes (and blog posts) into something unique. 

I am grateful for God's grace in my life, and I hope that I have been able to convey some of this amazing grace to you and your community. This verse has meant a lot to me over the past 17 years and share it again with us all:

"From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace" - John 1:16 (ESV)

May God bless you abundantly, as you choose to follow Jesus, ONE DAY AT A TIME. Thank you once again for giving of your time to read these posts. 

"The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived - not always looked forward to as though the "real" living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow." - Elisabeth Elliot

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Day by Day

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." - Psalm 68:19

Remember that Jesus invited us to take our needs to him on a daily basis. Not only does God help us with the troubles of today, but also the provisions we so desperately need.

"Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Amen." - Richard of Chichester

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Weekday reality?

"...for many faith is a weekend proposition, not a weekday reality." - Lee Strobel

There is always a big change in our faith journey when we consciously make it more than a "Sunday affair." In my opinion it is easy to put on a show for 2 hours on a Sunday and to pretend that we are spiritual. However, making our Christianity a daily reality is the goal we should strive for. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus needs to be done everyday of the week, not just for one day.

Deuteronomy 11:1 - "Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always."

So, here is a question for you to ponder:
"What are you currently doing to make your faith a weekday reality?"

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Day by day

Carolina Sandell Berg was born on the 3rd October l832 and she grew up to become Sweden's most celebrated author of Gospel hymns. One of her most profound songs was 'Day by Day', which reminds us all to reflect on God's grace everyday. 

The words of this song are very moving and I invite you to read them and to receive them as a blessing today. See if there is one line or phrase that sticks out for you today and if you have a minute drop me a message. Mine is the opening lines of verse 3 - they are a word of hope.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest. 

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,“
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

Living in Grace

D3LM3