Understanding and wisdom

"Bestow upon me, O Lord my God, 

understanding to know thee,

diligence to seek thee, 

wisdom to find thee,
and a faithfulness that may finally embrace thee." - Thomas Aquinas

"For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. “I, Wisdom, will make the hours of your day more profitable and the years of your life more fruitful.” Wisdom is its own reward, and if you scorn her, you hurt only yourself." - Proverbs 9

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Have a heart

"Give me, Lord
A stout heart to bear my own burdens,
A tender heart to bear the burdens of others,
And a believing heart to lay all my burdens on you, for you care for us." - Lesslie Newbigin

The ancient philosophers understood that the heart was the seat of all emotions. Everything flowed from this small organ in the center of our chests. Jesus added even greater value this notion, when he commanded us to 'Love God with all of our Hearts.' 

How do we use our hearts? Are we able to have stout, tender and believing hearts today?

Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

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Making Peace - being at Peace

When Paul wrote these words, we know that they come from his own personal experience: 

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” – Romans 5:1

It seems that one of the things that alludes many faith seekers is a genuine Peace with God. We try our best to please God with all kinds of religious practices and rituals, but these don't always give us peace. 

I guess that Paul could speak from both perspectives - from being zealous and obeying all religious laws, to really knowing authentic PEACE with God.

"So, since we have come to be considered righteous by God because of our trust, let us continue to have shalom with God through our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah." - Complete Jewish Bible

So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." - The Living Bible

Prayer: Ask God to give you his genuine peace, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Blind faith or a thoughtful decision

Christians are sometimes accused of having 'blind faith', which is usually a subtle dig at believing in Christ, without truly knowing what we believe in. However, when we read the Gospel of Luke, we note that his intention in compiling the Gospel, was to do so with careful investigation - he wanted to make sure that he spoke to eye-witnesses and to research the content he was writing for Theophilus.

Luke 1:1-4 – “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honourable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”

Lee Strobel was a convinced Atheist, before he stated probing into Christianity. After doing thorough research and investigation he ended up becoming a follower of Jesus. These are his words:

"In short, I didn't become a Christian because God promised I would have an even happier life than I had as an atheist. He never promised any such thing. Indeed, following him would inevitably bring divine demotions in the eyes of the world. Rather, I became a Christian because the evidence was so compelling that Jesus really is the one-and-only Son of God who proved his divinity by rising from the dead. That meant following him was the most rational and logical step I could possibly take."

Thought: Believing in Jesus does take a step of Faith, but it doesn't mean we have to disengage our brains while we contemplate what Christ as done for us. 

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Don't miss the point!

"A faith that fails to connect and apply Christianity to the practical everyday problems of the average person has missed the point.” - Catherine Marshall

There are so many glorious promises that stem from the Resurrection and we need to hold onto all of these. However, I do agree with Catherine Marshall on one of the main gifts of knowing that Christ is alive. 

The gift of the Resurrection opens the doors for the power of the Holy Spirit to be amongst us. When we come to live in the power of the Spirit, we are given all that we need for daily life. Our faith is alive, because Jesus is Alive.

Thought: Is the Resurrection still only an event that we look back on with good memories, or is it a promise of God's Presence with us always, as the greatest enemy has been defeated?

John 11:25-26 - "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

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erdyproblems of the average man has missed the point.

Catherine Marshall

As the dust settles

The anticipation of the Resurrection has been fulfilled. We arrived at this glorious reminder on Sunday morning. It is a miraculous sign of Hope in our world filled with darkness and fear. When the followers of Jesus thought that evil and death had won, God revealed his ultimate hand and raised Jesus from the dead. 

This miracle will keep perplexing us, just as it did the first eyewitnesses, but when the dust settles, we will need to live with conviction and belief. Of course, not all of us are like Simon Peter or John - some of us are more inclined to be like Thomas - but we are all given the choice to 'see and believe.' 

For the followers of Jesus, he is not a dead hero, but a living person. It would be very sad to follow someone who had their 5 minutes of fame but then faded into history. The story of Jesus is far more remarkable than that - and we are invited to witness to this miracle. 

For this to take place, I believe we all need an encounter with the Lord - this is where we are moved to faith. This is my prayer for you - may we all experience the Risen Lord.

Matthew 28:6 - He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.

He is Risen indeed!

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Our blind spots

Reading through John 9, we notice a lot of powerful imagery around sight, blindness, light and darkness. In reflecting on this passage, I was struck by the 'blind spots' in the lives of the disciples, as well as the religious leaders. 

When we are learning to drive our instructors make it a serious point to teach us that we all have a blind spot, even if we drive very well. This blind spot is not necessarily a fault of ours, but it is a reality. And so, it is humbling to admit, that there are some things that we just can't see and if we want to avoid an accident, we need to learn to adjust our vision.

In John's account of the man who was born blind, Jesus reveals to the disciples and the leaders where their blind spots were, but they didn't all react positively to this. 

"Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So, they were divided." - John 9:16

Thought: Where could my blind spot be? How would I react if someone pointed this out to me?

"No man is wise at all times or is without his blind side." — Desiderius Erasmus

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Rugged Pilgrimage of Discipleship

There are some folks who seem to find their faith-journey to be relatively easy-going. In some ways, I am a little envious of them, because mine doesn't always seem to be that smooth. Of course, there are days of wonder and deep connection with the Father, but there are other days, where discipleship seems to be a grind. I am not sure if you can relate to this at all, but I pray that some of you can.

It is for this reason, that I exclaimed a loud 'Yes', when I read these words in a devotion the other day.

"Pain penetrates through despair and stimulates a new beginning - a journey to God - the transition from a dreamy nostalgia for a better life to a rugged pilgrimage of discipleship...we are invited to find our way by continually listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that his Spirit will lead us to truth." - Eugene Peterson

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth." - John 16:13

Thought: Let us continue on the pilgrimage of rugged discipleship, because the views from the top of the mountain are extraordinary. 

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It is well

We sang this song in one of our worship services yesterday. It is such a testimony to the power of hope and trust that God will get us through the most difficult of circumstances. May these words offer you hope and peace this week. 

"When peace like a river
Attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, It is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul."

The chorus is not a recognition of present circumstances, but rather a deep belief that 'no matter what', God is still with us. Our souls are secure in his hands.

Psalm 25:5 - Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.

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Longing for ...

There is a beautiful song which reminds us of all the things that we long for but seem to never find. It is entitled: Christ be our Light and is written by Bernadette Farrell. Each verse of the song speaks of these gifts that we long for:

• Longing for light, we wait in darkness
• Longing for truth, we turn to you
• Longing for peace, our world is troubled
• Longing for hope, many despair

And each time she laments the things that still elude us, Bernadette brings us to the prayerful chorus:

"Christ be our light, shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church."

I pray that as we all begin the remarkable journey of Lent, that Christ would shine his light on our path.

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Making the journey together

A large part of the Christian experience can be nurtured privately, but it was never meant to be undertaken in isolation. We need each other as we make the journey of faith together. We need someone else to nudge us forward in encouragement, or to keep us accountable to our disciplines and to pray for us when we find prayer too difficult. 

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

As we embark upon the spiritual journey of Lent this week, I invite you to commit to a practice that will nurture your relationship with God and others. If you don't have something to guide you and you would like something, please drop me a message and I will send you an invite to be a part of our community's 40 Days Together devotions. 

Helen Keller - Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

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We don't have to live in doubt!

When Jonah warned the people of Nineveh of God's judgement, they responded in these words:

^"Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened." - Jonah 3:9-10

I was struck by their sense of doubt - "Who knows? Maybe God will forgive us?"

Friends, I feel that we don’t have to live in wonder or doubt – will God forgive my sins? God has already forgiven our sins - this was done with Jesus' death on the cross. Jesus said that the work was finished and our sins were atoned for. 

It is up to us whether we choose to receive this gift and then to live as if it were true. Let us also remember that our God is gracious and compassionate.

Psalm 86:15 - But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

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Please send someone else!

When God called Moses to serve him and to go and speak to Pharoah, Moses sheepishly asked the Lord to send someone else.

¹⁰ Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

¹³ But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”  -(Exodus 4)

In a way, Jonah did the same thing. When God called him to go and preach to the Ninevites, Jonah ran in the opposite direction. You can read this story in chapter 1 of Jonah. 

So, what about us? When God calls us to a task that seems bigger than our abilities, how do we respond? What do we say?

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Feed your faith

Max Lucado writes: “Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will starve.”

This is an interesting take on living as a follower of Jesus. What do you make of this? 

It makes sense in many ways, because if we allow our fears to run away with us, them they can cloud our view of Christ. In what ways do we allow our anxiety and fears to move us away from a deep faith in God's work in our lives?

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18

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Ritual without compassion

Abraham Heschel, the Jewish theologian, once said: “Ritual without compassion is the worship of nothing.”

These words stem from his reflection on Isaiah 58, where the prophet (Isaiah) challenged the people of God to make sure their worship translated into transformed lives and compassion to others.

James put it in these familiar words: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17)

Thought: In what way has your worship experience moved you to acts of compassion?

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God is not ashamed

"That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." - Hebrews 11:16

These words struck me as deeply profound. The writer of Hebrews points out that God is NOT ashamed to be called their God. 

Even after all that had happened, and how the Israelites had let God down, God was still prepared to be seen as their Saviour. And what is more, he was also willing to prepare a city (home) for them.

Thought: How does it make you feel to know that God is proud to be called your 'Heavenly Father?'

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The hidden path

There are times when we come to the edge of uncertainty, and we don't know which way to turn. Picture the Israelites standing on the shores of the Red Sea. The pounding waves are throwing salty spray into their faces, while the blood-curdling screams of the Egyptians are getting closer and closer. Trapped in no man's land, they have only one hope - God. 

They look to Moses and in a moment of Divine Mystery, God opens a hidden path for them. Moses holds the staff high and a road they never knew existed, appears before them. They still need courage to walk on this path, but they step out in faith.

Psalm 77:19 - Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there!

Prayer thought: Consider your present obstacles - trust that God will lead you through these trials on hidden paths of grace.

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What to do when one feels spiritually and emotionally exhausted.

Hi there fellow pilgrim and friend. I am always skeptical of people who never seem to face difficulties in their lives. It just seems surreal to me. What I really relate to is when someone of deep faith is able to humbly admit that life doesn't always go according to plan. Honesty and authenticity immediately get my attention. 

In my experience, following Jesus has often been tough. Of course, there have been remarkable times of joy and victory, celebration and peace, but there have also been a fair share of the opposite. I am thankful that during these times I have been taught to cling to God and to hold onto Him for security and refuge. I have learnt that there is no shame in resting in the presence of One far greater than myself.

Listen to these words from Francois Fenelon, as he gives us a pattern for holding onto Christ.

"At times, everything in life seems to be a trial and suffering. Sometimes the cross is so heavy it can neither be carried nor dragged. Then you can only fall down beneath it, overwhelmed and exhausted."

The important thing is where we rest and that we remember to look up from where we find ourselves.

Psalm 62:8 - O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

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The Highest Privilege

"I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them." - Revelation 21:3

These words remind us of the coming glory of heaven, and the ultimate restoration of what was lost in the beginning (Genesis 3). However, they also reveal something deeply profound and exciting. There is the promise of walking with God again - if you read the verse again, you will notice this.

Charles Spurgeon puts it likes this:

“I do not think the glory of Eden lay in its grassy walks, or in the boughs bending with luscious fruit-but its glory lay in this, that the ‘Lord God walked in the garden in the cool of the day.’ Here was Adam’s highest privilege, that he had companionship with the Most-High.” (Spurgeon)

Thought: What does it mean for you to walk with the Lord and to know that God lives amongst us?

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Having faith doesn't mean having no difficulties

"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone." - Pope Francis

While the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader, it is fitting to dwell on some of the wisdom from the late Pope Francis. His life was lived in obedience to Christ and although he was not perfect, he modelled for Christians the tricky dilemma of 'faith in action.' It is easy to speak about God and the things of faith, but to live them out sincerely is the true test of our obedience.

"The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love."

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."

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