Why do we make excuses?

Many Christians make excuses for the lack of something in the spiritual lives. We may hear someone say: "I can't share my faith because I am a shy person" or "I don't know as much about the Bible as others " or "I am not perfect." 

While all of these statements may well be true, when we speak like this, we deny the power of God's spirit to work in the "ordinary-ness" of our lives. There are plenty of Biblical examples of people who used the same excuses we do, yet they eventually allowed the power of God to change their lives. 

Take Stephen as an example: Stephen was chosen as one of the 7 new disciples because “he was a man full of the Spirit and wisdom” and we see that when Stephen surrendered himself fully to Jesus, he “performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8) However, if you read the rest of the story, you will note that he was initially chosen to be a kitchen-worker and administrator - solving the issues that had arisen in the distribution of food. 

“Stephen, the kitchen worker, stands tall in the annals of faith as one of those men who did much for God’s Kingdom. Clearly, God doesn’t need everyone to be preachers and teachers; he just needs ordinary people who will learn from Him and be willing to be used in extraordinary circumstances.” – NLT Bible commentary

Thought: What can we do for the kingdom of God?

Living in Grace

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The end of the year - Christ the King Sunday

In the Christian calendar today (21st November) marks the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Today is known as Christ the King Sunday and it is a special reminder of our King, Jesus. Next Sunday marks the beginning of the season of Advent, which is our preparation for the arrival of the Messiah. 

I know that it can seem a little confusing, as the official end of the year is usually the 31st December, but I think it is a good way of reminding ourselves that we belong to a different kingdom. Jesus spoke about his kingdom often and it was his clear conviction that he came to establish a new reign and that his kingdom was not of this world.

As we journey towards the conclusion of this liturgical year perhaps it would be a good practise to ask ourselves what we are hoping for in the new season of Advent. Will Advent usher in the peace, hope, joy and love we all seek? Should we not turn again to Jesus Christ, the one who can make all our hopes a reality?

"Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” - John 18:36

Living in Grace

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The Juggler

The world record for juggling stands at 14 balls at one time and is held by Alex Barron. If you want to watch him breaking the record you can click on this link. So, why am I talking about juggling on this blog? Well, I feel it has a lot to say to many of us at the moment and I am including myself in this group.

What are you juggling at the moment? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with all the balls in the air? I know that I have felt a little overawed at times. It just seems that the more balls one has in the air, the more we are tempted to add others to the game. However, the odds are always going to be stacked against us - the more we try to juggle, the greater chance there is of us letting the balls drop. So, what is the solution? 

Well, we would be wise to listen to the words of Jesus. He spoke to a different generation, but his words are still very relevant for us all.

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6)

What are you juggling at the moment?

What things are perhaps being dropped or neglected?

Living in Grace

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To live differently

Following Jesus is an invitation for us to live differently. Often we find that we are called to go against the flow or to see the world in a new light. Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36)

In his thought-provoking prayer, Pedro Casaldaliga writes about a similar attitude:

"Against the orders of hate
you bring us the law of love.
In the face of so many lies
you are the truth out loud.
Amid so much news of death
you have the word of life.
After so many false promises, frustrated hopes,
you have, Lord Jesus, the last word,
and we have put all our trust in you.
Alleluia, Alleluia." 

I am grateful that the Lord has the last word, despite what happens all around us.

Living in Grace

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No King?

People faulter without proper leadership. This is a fact and is played out in countries, schools, businesses, communities, churches and even in some homes. People need leaders!

"Have you no king to lead you?
Have your wise people all died?" - Micah 4:9

Micah's question arises as a result of the mess that he sees in the nation of Israel. People are living as if they have no king and no wise teachers to lead them. The irony was that they had a King, but they had turned their backs on God.

Remember this Advent season, that we are blessed to have a King - his name is Jesus. He invites us into his kingdom and waits to see our response.

Matthew 2:2 - “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Living in Grace
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