Peacemaker or Peacekeeper?

Are you a Peacemaker or Peacekeeper? Before you answer perhaps read on and then see what your answer really is. 

The very first thing we must understand is that there is a huge difference between being a Peacemaker and a Peacekeeper. And Jesus is calling us to be the former, without forgetting the latter (see Matthew 5:9). In trying to come to a deeper understanding of this sensitive topic, the following thoughts and definitions came to the fore: 

“A peacemaker is someone who is willing to resolve conflict/turmoil in order to bring about peace with other people. Of course, this may involve engaging in conflict and tension, but always with the goal of healing and reconciliation."

·      I guess the key in being a peace maker is that you have to exert some effort. One needs to be willing to roll up your sleeves and work at it. There is nothing passive about being a Peacemaker. 

A peacekeeper, on the other hand, often chooses to avoid conflict, in order to keep the status quo (peace), although this is usually a very fragile peace in the first place. 

For example, there were many Roman soldiers in the time of Jesus, who were employed as 'peacekeepers', but the Roman idea of Pax Romana (The Peace of Roman) was actually very far from true peace.

Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Thoughts: So, which one are you? Peacemaker or Peacekeeper?

I have to be honest and say that I tend to lean towards being a Peacekeeper, rather than a Peacemaker.

Living in grace

D3LM3

A clean, smooth canvas

Jean Pierre De Caussade reflects on the difficult act of allowing God to shape and guide our lives:

"Our task is to offer ourselves up to God like a clean, smooth canvas and not bother ourselves about what God may choose to paint on it, but at every moment, feel only the stroke of his brush."

I am not sure how easily we allow God to do this, but I know that I often resist what God is trying to do in my life? What about you?

In this post-Resurrection season, how can we make ourselves more available for the work of God's Spirit in our lives?

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What tests your patience?

What tests your patience?

Or should I rather ask: Who tests your patience? 

If I am honest, there are many things that seem to test my patience at times. But then I think of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) I realise that the Spirit has a long way to go before I am fully refined. It is humbling to contemplate that God must be tired of being patient with me :)

Paul encouraged the Church to live in the power of the Spirit in order that they may grow in endurance and patience. He writes:

"...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience..." - Colossians 1:10-11

May God continue to be patient with us & may we be given the grace to be patient with others.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Kindness

I am flabbergasted at how unkind the world seems to be becoming. Maybe it has always been this way, but our modern society has certainly picked up the baton and is carrying it on. Of course, social media and technology has played a huge part in giving unkind people greater opportunities to vent their rage at the world, but it really saddens me. 

Have you been on the receiving end of unkindness lately? It really hurts, doesn't? I pray that as we experience this pain, that we can remember our call to be kind to one another. May the Spirit of Christ fill our hearts and lives, so that we can truly love each other.  

Proverbs 3:3 - Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

2 Corinthians 6:6 - We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

Ephesians 1:7 - He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Paul's prayer as an inspiration for All Saints Day?

When Paul shared his prayer with the church in Ephesus, it soon became a blueprint for similar prayers in the future. As many churches mark All Saints Day on the 1st of November, we thank God for all who have gone before us and for their Godly witness. Their inspiration drives us onwards in our faith journey. 

"I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 

God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." - Ephesians 1:15-23

Thought: Pause to give thanks for those believers who have inspired you to follow Christ.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Love that will never let me go

"O Love that will not let me go;

I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine oceans depths its flow
May richer, fuller be."  - George Matheson

It is rare to find someone who is willing to love us through the depths and darkness of our shadow selves. Thankfully God is one of these people and He will never let us go. We can never plumb the depths of his love and grace.

Ephesians 3:17-19 - "...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Living in grace

D3LM3

Two trees

Good Friday reminds us of many things relating to the work and person of Jesus. We may hear many sermons or songs this year, but ALL of these will capture the essence of a God who loves us beyond comprehension. 

St Irenaeus – “A tree in Paradise made us Debtors to God. A tree on Golgotha has wiped away our debt.”

Ephesians 1:7 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

May you experience the true love of Jesus this year. Our sins are forgiven. 

Living in grace

D3LM3

At home

The old saying states that "home is where the heart is!" I think we all understand the sentiment of this and it makes complete sense. When Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus he puts a spin on this when he says: "I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him" (Ephesians 3:17)

Eugene Peterson adds a more homely tone to this verse: "that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in."

As you go about your tasks today, may you open the door of your heart to Him and that you would give Jesus a home in your life.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What to pray for?

Here is an interesting take on things we could pray for:

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men (and women). Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for power equal to your tasks.” - Phillips Brooks

As you look ahead at your week, what prayers do you need to offer up to the Lord? Ask God for the strength to handle the tasks God has entrusted into your care.

Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

God bless you. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Showed kindness

Job 10:12 - "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit." 

In what way has God showed you kindness over the last week?

Do you have a story of how you have seen God's providence at work in your life? If you have a gap please let me know your reflections - I am interested in your story.

Ephesians 2:7 - "...in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

As we respond to God's kindness may we, in turn, show kindness to those around us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

When anger leads to foolish decisions

In these present times it is hard not to let anger win out. Most of us are living on edge and the slightest provocation can send us spinning off on a tangent. I was reminded again this week, while reading through the book of Esther, that when the “ego” of a person is pricked, it can lead to all kinds of consequences - one of them is anger!

Pietro Aletino (1492 – 1557) wrote that “angry people are blind and foolish.” This is so true. Our anger can blind us to the other people around us and often brings about a fracture in relationships. It is no wonder that Paul said:  “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27). 

Paul understood that when we get angry we are skating on thin ice. We can easily become the victims of our own folly, and so can those who come across our path. 

Question: Have you ever had an angry moment where your decisions have not been the wisest? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It matters

I like to do some reading around Leadership as often as I can and one of the authors I enjoy is Nancy Ortberg. She wrote a lovely book called "Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands", where she reflected on leadership with these words:

“Leadership matters. It stands at the crossroads of what we do and who we are, and that is a profound place. It requires that we shape vision and develop a plan and work hard.  It requires that we become stronger in our resilience and forgiveness and determination and love.”

This last sentence is the one that I wanted to highlight, because I believe this speaks to all of us, not just leaders. Life is teaching us that we can become stronger and more resilient. If we choose determination then I also feel we can lean more towards forgiveness and love. 

What do you think?

Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Fighting for unity in the church

I had the privilege of writing an article for the Scripture Union magazine a while ago and it was published last week. It is around 'fighting for unity in the church' - if you find the time please click on this link and have a read of the article. There are some other great articles from other authors there too.

Click here to read the article 

Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Silence and stillness

“Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep.” - Anonymous

In my experience, Holy Saturday is one of the least celebrated days of Holy week and perhaps it has to do with the fact that we don't fully know what happened on this day. There is a strong belief that this is the day that Jesus descended to the dead (1 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 4:7-10). 

We only know in part what really transpired on Holy Saturday, but what we hold onto is that Sunday is coming. The earth's silence and stillness, after the agony of the Crucifixion, prepare us for the great joy of the Resurrection.

“To be sure, it was not Easter Sunday but Holy Saturday, but, the more I reflect on it, the more this seems to be fitting for the nature of our human life: we are still awaiting Easter; we are not yet standing in the full light but walking toward it full of trust.” - Pope Benedict XVI

What does this day mean for you?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The best of God

                                                            

I was truly surprised by the story of Arthur Blessit, who has been carrying a Cross around the world for 53 years. It is a remarkable account of how one man decided to dedicate his entire life to glorify Jesus and to spread the Good News where ever he goes. At one point in his testimony Arthur shares these words:

·      “At the cross the worst of man meets the best of God.”

     This reminds me of the words of Paul in Ephesians 1:7 where he writes: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."       

    As we contemplate the cross of Christ this week let us remember that the worst of our sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus and we have been given a new hope.

    Living in Grace

    D3LM3

 

No Strangers Allowed!?

When you read the title of today's post you may be mistaken that I am suggesting that we don't allow strangers into our Churches, but please read the quote first before jumping to the wrong conclusion:

 

"In our world we're much more comfortable with posting a sign like "No strangers allowed" that reflects the suspicion and fear of our time. But perhaps it is time for us to acknowledge our fear, confront it, and turn that very slogan on its head. "No strangers allowed" means that in the Kingdom of God nobody is a stranger, therefore in this congregation nobody is a stranger." - Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2009.

How does that sound? Challenging?

In truth we are sometimes worshipping in churches where we feel like strangers. We may know the faces of people, but do we spend time listening to their struggles, trials and deep needs? Christian community is a hard lifestyle to live out, but when we seek to be the body of Jesus, then we should also strive to make sure that no one feels like a 'stranger' in our midst.

Ephesians 2:19-22 (The Message)

 That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

Living in Grace

D3LM3 

Take that shower - Inspiration for today

"People often say that motivation doesn't last.
Well, neither does bathing (or showing) - that's why we recommend it daily." - Zig Ziglar

I had a quiet chuckle when I read this quote earlier today. It seems a little silly at first reading, but then it starts to make a lot more sense.

If we looked at the quote in light of our spiritual lives, we may feel that our daily Bible readings don't seem to 'last' over the course of a day. All the events of a typical day can threaten to move us away from the presence of God, but this is why we need to turn to Jesus for our 'daily bread.'

A daily time of refreshing in God's Word is not meant to be a quick, long-term fix. It is meant to give us enough grace and spiritual inspiration for that day, and hopefully give us enough desire to return to the Word the next day.

Psalm 51:2 - Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

 

Ephesians 5:26 - "... cleansing her by the washing with water through the word."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Sitting on your hands

 

[ To Be Mature ] In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.- Ephesians 4:2-3 (Message)

As you read this wonderful passage from Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, what strikes you?

Here are a few of the stand out things for me today:

1. Do I spend time sitting on my hands?
2. Don't take paths that lead nowhere.
3. Humility and discipline are key ingredients along the journey.
4. Pouring ourselves out in acts of love.
5. Be quick to mend broken fences.

I would love to hear from you - send me a message. God bless. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Oh to be encouraged!

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you.

Criticize me, and I may not like you.

Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.

Encourage me, and I will not forget you. “ - William Arthur Ward.

There is something incredible about Encouragement! I am talking about sincere, well meaning words of Encouragement. They can go a long way to changing your attitude and even your situation. Next time you are given an opportunity to "lift the spirits" of a friend, I invite you to encourage them.

Romans 15:32 - "Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other."

Ephesians 4:29 - "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Bear with me

"If you wish people to bear with you, you must bear with them." - Thomas a Kempis

We sometimes ask people to 'bear with us' for a moment - and this could be for a number of different reasons. Maybe we are running late or going through a tough time. It could be that we haven't finished the project or forgot to buy something important from the shops. To ask someone else to 'bear with us' invites them to be PATIENT with us. If you like, it asks for a little 'Grace' in the midst of a tough time.

When we read Thomas a Kempis' quote we note that if we ask for others to 'bear with us', then we need to be willing to offer them the same grace when they ask it from us.

Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Colossians 3:13 -  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Living in Grace
D3LM3