Overcoming ourselves

Thomas a' Kempis wrote in the 15th Century, “the hardest struggle is the struggle to overcome ourselves." I think that what he could have meant by this is that we are often our own worst enemy. We struggle with our faults, short-comings and sins, wondering if God could even love us. This can sometimes move us away from the embrace of our loving God. Thankfully we have Jesus who has paved the way for our salvation and he is the ultimate victor.  

What things in your life do you struggle with? 

Do you find that your mind plays tricks on you? Does your mind sometimes run away from you so that your biggest struggle is with yourself? If you can relate to this, then I pray that these scriptures help you today.

Jeremiah 1:19 - They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Mark 9:24 - Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Living in Grace

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Marked by love

 

"Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.” - Mark 9:7 (Message)

When God proudly spoke of Jesus as his son, he used the phrase 'marked by my love', which speaks of identity and influence. Everything about Jesus came from the Father and Jesus bore the marks of his heavenly parent.

The challenging question for us is this: "In what way are we revealing the marks of Christ in our lives?"
Can people see Jesus in us?
Can they see how God has changed our lives?

What does being 'marked by love' mean for you today?

Living in Grace
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Who do you belong to?

^"Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?” - Ruth 2:5

It was a sign of the times that a woman was always under the authority of her male family members, which is why Boaz asks Ruth this question in v.5 - Who do you belong to?
 
It was assumed that a woman belonged to her husband, father, uncle, brother etc. Thankfully, we have moved away from this kind of language nowadays, but I want to pick up on the spiritual connotation of this question: "Who do you belong to?"


I don't need to be attached to any human relative to answer this question, because if I have chosen to follow Jesus Christ, then I can say: "I belong to Christ!" Jesus has brought me with a price and I am under his covering.

Mark 9:41 -  "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward."

Question:  "Who do I belong to?"

Living in Grace
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Fragile Faith

"Faith, then, is fragile, something that needs tending." - Kathleen Norris

Some people give us the impression that their Faith is super strong or that they have figured everything out. The rest of us feel envious of these people and wish we had the same kind of connection with God - sometimes we even feel that we have missed the mark.

However, I am learning that even 'fragile' Faith is worth nurturing and tending. It is the small moments of faith that lead us onto the bigger acts of faith.

Don't be embarrassed by your tiny step of faith - just make that single step. Then ask God to give you another nudge and trust him as you take a bigger step.

Mark 9:24 -  "he father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Living in Grace
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