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

D3LM3

Between self-doubt and courage

The doubts and questions are there. We wonder if we should venture out in faith or listen to the nagging narrative: "You are not good enough. You don't have what it takes." 

And so, in the end, we choose to silence the voices in our head, and we collapse back into our comfortable lives. 

Can you relate to this sentiment at all? 

Have you ever felt prompted or called to do something for the Lord, but you have given into the negative emotions that force us back into our shell? 

If YES, then know that you are in very good company. Almost all of the heroes of our faith came to a point of self-doubt, fear and paralysis. However, in the end, they took a bold step forward and trust God at his word. 

Are we willing to do the same? We will stay close to God, trusting in his provision and guidance at the moments we need it most? 

“Now go; I will help you to speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:12

Frederick Buechner – “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Lamb is presented for inspection.

It was customary for the Passover Lamb to be kept for four days before the actual Passover (see Exodus 12). This allowed the people of Israel the chance to present their lambs to the priest for inspection. Is it not incredibly profound that when Jesus rides into Jerusalem, on what we know as Palm Sunday, that he was symbolically presenting himself to the priests as the Passover Lamb – the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world?!

There are so many remarkable events that happened during Jesus' last week on earth, that I can't see this has been mere co-incidence. God had a plan, and he was fulfilling it through the life and death of Jesus Christ. 

May you encounter Christ during this Holy Week. 

Exodus 12:1-6 - "The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb[a] for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight..."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Keep moving forward

As one takes a deeper look at the familiar story of the Israelites heading towards the Promised Land, we notice something interesting:

"After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." - Exodus 13

It only occurred to me now, why God used the pillar of fire to lead the Israelites. God wanted them to keep moving forward, and to put distance between themselves and the chasing Egyptians. It probably seemed a natural thing for them to rest at night and to only travel by day, but this would have been too dangerous for them, so God told them to walk in the dark. 

Obviously, God is not suggesting that we don't sleep at night, but I do think there is something profound about the idea of us 'moving forward', despite the darkness that may hamper our journey. Is it possible that in a time of despair we are tempted to stop? To give up? Could God be nudging us onward and promising to shine a light for us?

What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

True strength

“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” - Unknown 

What do you consider to be a representation of 'true strength?'

Exodus 15:13 - In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Romans 4:20 - Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.

Prayer focus: May you be strengthened in all that you may face today. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Let courage rise with danger

In his famous hymn, Stand up! Stand up for Jesus, George Duffield penned these two lines:

"Let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose." - George Duffield (1818-1888)

These words speak of how we can ask God's Spirit to fill our hearts with such courage, that when we face any danger or strife, we can feel our hearts rise to meet the challenge. I believe that God can do this for each one of us, no matter the situation we are facing.

Exodus 15:13 - In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Thought: Have you ever encountered a difficult situation, but sensed a supernatural strength carry you through the time of testing? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Unfailing Love

We have all come to experience the limitations of human love and commitment. Even the best of relationships contain moments of hurt, mis-understanding and fragility. So when the Bible speaks of God's love that is UNFAILING, this should immediately get our attention. 

This is an image of God, who despite our reactions, will continue to love us and 'be for us.' 

When you think of God's unfailing love, is there something that resonates with you? 

Exodus 15:13 - “With your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed. In your might, you guide them to your sacred home."

Nehemiah 1:5 - Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands,

·       John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 

In the words of Chris Tomlin -

"And You never change God,
You remain The Holy One.
My unfailing love
Unfailing love."

      Living in Grace

      D3LM3

Nothing in half measure

There are some days when we wonder why we don't give more to God. And perhaps there are also a few moments when we think that God is holding out on us. Well, according to E.M. Bounds, God never does anything in half measures, so perhaps the problem lies with each one of us? 

"Jesus Christ stands as the illustration of God's word and its unlimited goodness in promise as well as in realization. God takes nothing by halves. He gives nothing by halves. We can have the whole of Him when he has the whole of us." - E.M. Bounds

Exodus 19:8 - They all responded in unison, “We will certainly do everything he asks of us.” Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.

 Are you able to give God your 'ALL' today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Time to Celebrate

We had a wonderful time of celebration today as we marked the Centenary of our church community. It is the first time I have been part of a Centenary as a minister and I found it to be a beautiful moment. One of the great delights was getting together with so many people from our community to worship God and to fellowship with one another. Having the worship service outside was a risk, but the weather was almost perfect. We felt truly fortunate and blessed for this great gift. 

This has been the first time in nearly 2 years we have been able to get the whole community together and the sense of relief and joy in the celebration was tangible. I think that this is something every community has missed during Covid and something we need to make space for in the future. I think this is what kept the Israelites focussed despite their tough circumstances - they were able to get together to honour God, to feast together and to laugh and sing. 

Moses answered, “We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the Lord.” - Exodus 10:9

Luke 15:24 - For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

How are you able to Celebrate with your family, friends and Church community?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What must we do?

The last two years has seen a greater number of people really questioning their sense of purpose in life. It is interesting how a global "shake-up" can cause so many people to rethink their present circumstances and to ask the BIG questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose on earth?

In our reading from Esther 4 we note how she was challenged about acknowledging her purpose and thankfully she was able to do this. The scriptures speak a lot about this topic too:

·       Exodus 9:16 - But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Psalm 33:11 - But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

As you wrestle with this question what do you sense the Lord is saying to you?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Before you do anything...

“Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.” - William A. Ward

I believe that these words are true and helpful, especially as we head off into 2021 and beyond. There is so much wisdom in taking a little time to reflect before we end up "doing" something. Sadly, we don't always get this right and then we end up spending a lot more time and energy trying to fix our mistakes.

Proverbs 28:14 - Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Exodus 20:3 - “You shall have no other gods before me."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Does God have short arms?

                                                    

What a strange question to ask you this morning?

Do you think God has short arms?

Well, if you think I am going crazy I must point out that it is actually God who asks Moses this question first. Take a read and see:

^"The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” - Numbers 11:23

God had promised to answer Moses prayers and to deliver food to the Israelites, but Moses was a little sceptical. God wanted to push Moses a little and so he challenge him by asking whether Moses felt that God was not able to fulfil his promises.

In another translation God asks the question like this: "The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s power limited? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” (NRSV)

How would you answer God's question today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Complaining

I am finding it so hard during this time of lockdown to remain focused on the good things that are out there and not let the negative change my mind-set. When I catch myself complaining I try to get a handle on it and rather try to count my blessings instead. I am not sure if you are better at it than I am, but it is worth reflecting on. Some of the things I complain about are not really major issues in the big scheme of things I guess.

I used to give the Israelites a tough time for being so grumpy when they were in the desert, but on reading through Exodus again, I have come to understand why they were complaining. They felt as if God had led them from one bad situation into another. Complaing about no water and no food is a really big deal and none of us would be excluded from doing the same thing.

Exodus 16:7 - In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?”

As we start a new week, let us resolve to do a few things:

1. Refrain from complaining about trivial matters

2. Give thanks for our many blessings

3. Help those in need.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” Maya Angelou

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The One who sent it!

 

 

In her marvellous book 'Bread of Angels', Barbara Brown Taylor reflects on how when we ask God for things (for example, when the Israelites asked for food in the desert) we often create an impression of how God should answer our prayers. The trouble with this is that we then limit God to our image of the answered prayer. The manna in the desert may have not looked appetising, yet it was an answer to prayer and this helped the people survive on a daily basis.

Barbara Brown Taylor writes:
"...it is not what it is that counts, but who sent it, and the miracle is that God is always sending us something to eat. Day by day, God is made known to us in the simple things that sustain our lives - some bread, some love, some breath, some wine - all those absolutely essential things that are here today and gone tomorrow."

May we come to know the gift in the answer to our prayers and that God is still in the business of providing manna for his people.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Just stay calm

 

This portion of scripture has such wonderful lessons for us today. We can relate so much to the Israelites in their time of trial, because they 'panic' and they long to go back to their former lives. This is usually our gut reaction too - we want to head back to the things we remember - even if those things were bad and poisonous for us. 

As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, ¹¹ and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? ¹² Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
¹³ But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. ¹⁴ The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” - Exodus 14:10-14

In his strongest voice Moses tells the people to 'STAY CALM', not to be afraid and to see how God works in the midst of the difficult situation. Perhaps this is a message for some of us today. 
Let us watch and see how God will fight for us.


Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Connection

"Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman,  and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months." - Exodus 2:1-2

It is interesting to note the similarity between this verse, which speaks about Moses, and our recent experience of the birth of Jesus. Both Mary and Jochebed (Moses' mom) saw something 'fine' in their sons and both boys grew up to 'save' their people. Moses became synonymous with rescuing the Israelites from their Egyptian masters and Jesus offers us freedom from Sin, which seeks to be our master.

The other obvious connection between Jesus and Moses is that they both needed to be hidden from wicked men in their infancy. As much as evil rulers tried to destroy God's chosen ones, the Spirit took care of them and lead them to safety.
 
As we continue into 2019 may we seek to discover traces of God's grace, love and light in the Scriptures, as well as come to understand the True FREEDOM given to us in Jesus Christ. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Right Place

 

^"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." - Exodus 13:21-22

One of my favourite words from the Christmas season is the name - 'Immanuel' - and the reason for this is because of the powerful reminder that 'God is always with us.' However, in a slight variation of this word, we see another reminder of God's presence in Exodus 13 - it is the promise that God is guiding us on our journey of Faith. 

...God is 'in front of the people'
...God is leading us 
...God WILL direct our paths
...God is in the pillar of cloud and in the pillar of fire
...God uses two different (but clear) signs to lead us

All of this is done so that God can help his people get to their RIGHT destination - His chosen path and His chosen destination.

I have been challenged to put God in the right place as we begin 2019.
May you join me in doing so.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Exodus

The Exodus story is another powerful reminder of God's grace and providential care. It is right that we wrestle with Questions like: "Why did the Israelites have to suffer so much at first?" or "Why did God take so long to answer their prayers?" However, we should never lost sight of the fact that God journeyed with them from Egypt into the Promised land.

²¹ The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. ²² And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people." - Exodus 13:21-22

Day and night, God is watching over us. We may not notice his hand of guidance and protection in the moment, but when we stop and look at the full picture we will see how God has been with us.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Exam time again

Students and scholars are entering into that time of the year again - Exam time! This is where the stress levels rise in the families and people begin to walk on egg-shells. Perhaps we could rename this time of the year: Massah - after the name that Moses gave to the place of testing in the book of Exodus.

Exodus 17:6-7 - Moses did what he said, with the elders of Israel right there watching. He named the place Massah (Testing-Place) and Meribah (Quarreling) because of the quarrelling of the Israelites and because of their testing of God when they said, “Is God here with us, or not?”

You may not be writing an exam this week, or even have kids who are writing, but perhaps you are still at a place called MASSAH - a personal testing place.
May we all learn to seek God in this time of testing and to trust that God is still with us.

Go with God's grace today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Live it out

"It is not what people eat, but what they digest that makes them strong;
Not what we gain, but what we save that makes us rich;
not what we read, but what we remember that makes us learned;
not what we preach, but what we practice that makes us Christians." - Unknown.

Faith is easy to speak about, but it is so much harder to live out. 
Our communities have enough 'sound' bombarding their lives -what we need is some clear examples of what it means to follow Jesus.






Exodus 24:14 - "You will be judged according to your conduct and your actions, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
 
"Just live life. That's the best way to learn how to act. Just live." - Rory Culkin

Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/live_life.html

Living in Grace
D3LM3