I am grateful - how about you?

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." - Hebrews 13:7

I am very grateful for those amazing people who modelled Christianity for me over the years. This verse urges us to remember them and then to 'consider' (think on) their lives and finally, to imitate their faith. 

Someone once suggested that the definition of a Saint is "a person in whom Christ lives again." 

In some respects, our Christian role-models have been saints - Christ has lived on in their lives and through their example we have been taught about the ways of Jesus. And for their lives, I am extremely grateful!  

Exercise: Think about one person who has shaped your spiritual life. Give thanks to God for them today.

Philippians 1:3 - Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

3500 - So this happened!

With all the preparations for Christmas and our family dealing with Covid isolation, I almost missed out on this special milestone. This week I managed to get to the 3500 blog post mark. And I am so grateful to each on of you who are willing to read my ramblings and thoughts on a weekly basis. I would never have got this far if it weren't for your encouragement and support. So thank you once again. 

Psalm 25:6 - Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

C.S. Lewis once remarked: "The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

God bless you and thank you once again. 

Living in Grace

A new perspective

I was bemoaning standing in a long queue this morning, as I waited to renew my car license, when suddenly I felt a little prompting to 'Be Thankful.' The more I thought about it, the more I realised that if I was able to renew a license that I was one of the fortunate folk who owns a car. That in itself makes me one of a small percentage of South Africans who have that privilege - about 30% of South African households own a vehichle between the members of that house. So, in the end, I waited out the rest of my 'penance' with a renewed peace and a spirit of thankfulness.  

Sometimes we just need a little prompting to change the way we see things. Perspective is a great way to change the way we see the world.

"So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective." - Colossians 3:12 (Message)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Reflections on 2018

 

As I reflect back on this year I want to echo the words of the Psalmist - "God - I can't thank you enough!" 
In making the huge move from Pietermaritzburg to Fish Hoek in December 2017, there were many days where I felt out of my depth, unsure of myself, unsettled and on a STEEP learning curve. However, through all of these moments, I have always felt the strength of God and the grace of the Holy Spirit. People have been incredibly loving and kind to our family in our new home; old friends have stayed in touch and this has certainly kept our spirits up during the tough days; and of course our family have been a truly solid rock of support and love. In all of this, I am humbled and blessed - I say again:
"Lord, thank you. You did it!"


"You did it: you changed wild lament
    into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band
    and decked me with wildflowers.
I’m about to burst with song;
    I can’t keep quiet about you.
God, my God,    I can’t thank you enough." - Psalm 30:11-12 (Message)

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Answered prayer

As you may well know the Western Cape has been praying for rain for a long long time. In fact, people all around the country and even overseas have been pleading for rain for months on end. Over the last few weeks we have seen a lot of rain fall in the Cape and although far from ending the drought, we must pause and say THANK YOU. We need to say thanks to the Lord for answered prayer and remain humble in our prayers. 

There is nothing more frustrating that being asked for something and then not being thanked when the request is answered. In the same way, I am sure that it delights God when we take the time to say "Thanks."

 

Psalm 120:1 - I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

 

Genesis 30:22 -Then God remembered Rachel’s plight and answered her prayers by enabling her to have children.

Genesis 35:3 - We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Lost Art of Gratitude

Some people can just be so rude! It seems as if they don't appreciate anything that is done for them. In this latest article I reflect on the 'Lost Art of being Grateful.' If you have a moment please follow the links and take a read.

Thanks and God bless

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Just one prayer!

Today I just have one prayer and it goes like this:

"Thank God for everything! If I have been to consumed by asking for things, then please forgive my selfishness. I choose to pause today and to allow my heart to be filled with Gratitude. I only want to offer two words to you today - THANK YOU."

During our Harvest Festival celebration this morning I was deeply convicted of how often I 'ask' God for things, but I also need to offer more prayers of THANKS. Gratitude is such a healthy spiritual attitude to have. In many ways, Gratitude can change the way we look at others and at how we serve Jesus.

Why don't you start by listing a few things that you are GRATEFUL for right now:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances..." 

Living in Grace
D3LM3