A genuine prayer to help us stay grounded in this mad world

Our world is a mad place and unfortunately it just seems to be getting worse. Social media doesn't seem to help either as it spreads more anger and bitterness than most of us can handle. 

Even amongst Christ-followers, we are fed a whole lot of 'fake' versions of what it means to follow Jesus. For this reason, I find the Prayer of Saint Francis to one of depth, truth and sincerity. These words are based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and in my opinion, are a Christ-like way of living.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Thought: If you have time, read through Matthew 5-7, and see the connections between the prayer and the words of Jesus.

Living in Grace

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Makers of Peace

With all the war, rage and anger that is going on the world, I still believe that Jesus spoke clearly about Peace. Some Christians will try to justify violence by referring to a few verses in the New Testament, but on the whole, Jesus did not advocate for hatred and violence. 

We must remember that Jesus had all the power in the world, so he could have destroyed the wicked and those who oppressed him, but he chose not to. When the religious leaders waged war on him, he did not call down thunder and lightning from heaven. Jesus came to establish a new kingdom, one that looked very different from the kingdoms of the world, and this is what makes it difficult to follow the teachings of Jesus.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 (Amplified Bible)

Matthew 5:43 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

Thought: I would be wary of people who claim that we must wage war in the name of God. Jesus Christ does not command us to steal, kill and destroy. That is the work of the adversary (John 10:10).

Living in Grace

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Hope, with a track record

 

The phrase, 'track record', usually refers to a record of someone's past performance and this is often used as an indicator of likely future performance. It is believed to have originated from the sport of Horseracing, where a horses past performances on the track, would give punters a good idea of their future racing potential.

In Eugene Peterson's paraphrase, he uses the phrase to speak of someone whose past attitude gives us a warning of his future behaviour: 

Matthew 5:25-26 - "...Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court..."

So, when Anne Lamott offers her thoughts on a definition of 'faith', it is striking that she suggests that it is "hope, with a track record.' 

Our faith in Jesus is not based on our feelings or opinions, but rather on His track record. When we see that we have placed our Hope and Trust in him, and Jesus hasn't let us down, then we find it a little easier to have faith in him (in the future). 

 "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." - Psalm 62:8

Living in Grace

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The strength to live differently

Reflecting on Pentecost this past weekend, I was reminded of how we need the Spirit in order to live differently. What Jesus has called us to do, is not something that we can hope to achieve in our human strength or wisdom. It is extremely different and radical. 

If it were something that I could do with my own abilities I would be tempted to claim all the glory, but being a Christ-follower requires a supernatural element, that can only come from the Spirit.

Just take a look at the Beatitudes again and you will see what I mean (Matthew 5:3-10):

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If you would like to listen to our Pentecost message, please click onto the link and enjoy. 

Living in Grace

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Who is my enemy?

When Jesus challenged his followers to love their enemies, I am sure that he knew we would find this so hard. Even as I contemplate his words, there is a part of me that wants to resist his command, yet it still looms large in the Gospels.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," - Matthew 5:43-44 (Luke 9)

So, let us ask the question: 'Who is my enemy?'

The dictionary defines an enemy as "a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something." 

This throws the net even wider for us. There may not be people who are willing to draw weapons against us, but there are people who oppose our faith, or who are hostile to us. Sadly, a lot of these people choose to hide behind social media posts or some other means of communication, but they still remain in opposition to us. So, Jesus' advice to us is:  "Love those who oppose you!"

Thought: This is going to be a life-long work for me - how do you feel about what Jesus has called us to do?

Living in Grace

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What does it mean to be meek?

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:6

In our modern times the word 'Meek' has sadly come to mean: A doormat. Or someone who is spineless, or subservient or even passive. But surely it means more than this? 

It was Aristotle who used the Greek word ‘praus’ (from which we get the word meekness) to describe the happy medium between ‘extreme anger’ and ‘being excessively passive.” He had the habit of defining every virtue by comparing 2 extremes and then resting in the middle of the two in a ‘happy medium.”   

So then, we could paraphrase Matthew 5:6 with these words: “Blessed is the person who is always angry at the right time, and never angry at the wrong time.”

The other usage of the word ‘praus’ is the same as to speak of an animal that has been domesticated - for example, think of a Stallion. It is an animal that has learnt to accept control from its owner, but it also has the power to cause harm if let loose. 

I guess, the main idea behind the word “meek” was strength under control - so, it is therefore not ‘weaknesses at all.

Thought: How does this sit with you? Do you find it easy to find this perfect balance?

Living in Grace

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A human mouse?

A.W. Tozer once wrote, "The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels."

As we are reflecting on the Beatitudes at the moment, I have been challenged by the word 'meekness.' What does it truly mean to be 'meek?' 

Sadly, we have come to understand meekness as being passive or even downtrodden. But is this what Jesus is speaking about when he says: "Blessed are the meek?" Do we need to become like a 'human mouse' in order to please God? 

Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering."

Living in grace

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Have I "made it?"

“It is not the person who claims to have “made it” spiritually who finds the kingdom, but the individual who recognizes how poor they are." – L. Richards

Reflecting on the Beatitudes again has really challenged my thinking and raised a number of things to spend time reflecting on. More and more I seem to be noticing how some Christians enjoy giving off the air that they have "made it" and others have not. This is a dangerous practice to fall into, because it is the same trap that the Pharisees found themselves in. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)

Humility is the light of understanding." - John Bunyan

"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you." - C.S. Lewis

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Trying to find the right balance

As Christians we wrestle with the dilemma of being submerged in our communities, as witnesses for Jesus, but at the same time, not wanting to take on the ways of the world. It is a hard balance to live out. Too much of an influence from the outside, can pull us away from the Christian Life; but if we stay hidden away from a world that is searching for answers, how will people ever hear about Jesus?

It is interesting to read these words from the early Church Father, Tertullian, who shows us how the Christian community didn't shrink back from the world in which they found themselves:

“We have filled every place among you – cities, islands, fortresses, towns, marketplaces, camps, tries, companies, palace, senate, forum …. We are not like (others) exiling themselves from ordinary life…. We go to your forum, your market, your baths, your shops, your workshops, your inns, your fairs, and the other places of trade.” - Tertullian

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house." - Matthew 5:13-14

Thought: Ask God to help you shine His shine into your community today.

Living in Grace

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Do not gloat

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
    when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the Lord will see and disapprove
    and turn his wrath away from them." - Proverbs 24:17-18

Wow, some of the proverbs are really hard to try and live out. Take today's one as an example. It is so hard not to gloat when someone 'arrogant' takes a tumble and gets what they deserve. Yet, Solomon is saying we should not gloat over this. I wonder why?

Jesus tells us something similar, doesn't he? He urges us to prayer for our enemies and those who persecute us. That is equally tough. Matthew 5:44 - "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Perhaps Jesus teaches us this fundamental truth, because as soon as we allow our hearts to be filled with hate and gloating over our enemies, we don't have space for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts. Our hearts and souls can't hold both love and hate inside at the same time? What do you think?

"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you." - C. S. Lewis

"Humility is not a character trait to develop, it's the natural by-product of being with Jesus." - Louie Giglio

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Five

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose." - Matthew 5:17

Ask a bunch of Christians to explain why Jesus died on the Cross and you will probably get an answer that makes some sense. However, on other issues of faith and Jesus's teachings you will find a divergent collection of opinions. In trying to explain His purpose to his followers Jesus wanted them to fully understand and not to become confused by all the frivalous talk. 

For this reason he uses the following words before each teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:

"You have heard the Law says...."

"But I say..." 

Tom Wright said of the Sermon on the Mount - "It's a royal announcement that God is turning the world upside down - or, rather, the right way up."

During Lent it is important for us to do our own studies of the Scriptures to get to the heart of the Gospel. We know that Jesus accomplishes his purpose through the Cross and empty Tomb, but we would do well to truly comprehend what this means for each one of us.

Questions to ponder:
1. Do we understand why Jesus came?
2. What does this mean for you?

Living in Grace
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What if this was our Agenda?

“For Jesus there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, and no people to be dominated. There are only children, women and men to be loved.” – Henri Nouwen

What if this quote formed a crucial part of our everyday agenda? 

What if we moved away from trying to 'conquer' others with our theology or dogma and just loved them?

What if I stopped trying to impose my ideology on you and loved you instead?

What if I humbled myself and loved you for who you are?

Would this make a difference in our world? I believe it would!

What do you think? Am I being too idealistic or naive? Would love to hear your thoughts...

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

Living in Grace

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Peacemakers and Helping those in trouble

"Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
    a future awaits those who seek peace.
³⁸ But all sinners will be destroyed;
    there will be no future for the wicked.

³⁹ The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
    he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
⁴⁰ The Lord helps them and delivers them;
    he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
    because they take refuge in him." - Psalm 37

As I reflect on this part of Psalm 37, I am reminded of two parts in the Gospels. The first one is when the Psalmist says, "a future awaits those who seek peace" - I was wondering if it is possible to link this up with the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." 

The other part is from verse 40, which pointed me to the passage in John 8, where Jesus delivers the women caught in adultery from the hands of the religious fanatics - all they wanted to do was stone her, but Jesus saw her plight and rescued her from their grasp.

Do these verses speak to you at all today?

Living in Grace

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Beautiful Attitudes

 

Someone once remarked that the Beatitudes (found in Matthew 5) could be called "The Beautiful Attitudes" - I like that name - I think it describes them so well. In our modern world these kind of attitudes seem very foreign to us, but that shouldn't prevent us from trying to live them out. After all, being part of God's Kingdom means that we should be living under different rules in any case.

What do you think of these attitudes?:

Matthew 5:3-10
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Living in Grace
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The question of Identity

We get so many people coming to the church for help nowadays and it is always tricky to discern which are the genuine cases and which are not. What we have been finding is that many of the 'homeless' people ask for money so they can get a new ID book. It seems to be the standard line to try and get some money from the local churches and of course we can't always help these people for a variety of reasons.

However, out of all of this, it has made me ask some questions about our Identity, because if I lost all my documentation and had no way of proving who I was, where would I go to get this sorted out? Does my ID reveal who I truly am or is it just a passport to be accepted as a 'normal person' in society? And what about how God sees us? Surely I AM SOMEONE in the eyes of God, regardless of whether I have a piece of paper or not?

What do you think?

"Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” - Matthew 5:48

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God Flavours

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage." - Matthew 5:13

Jesus doesn't really give us an option in this verse does he? He tells us exactly what he requires from his followers. We are to be the 'salt' in our community and by doing this we bring out all the 'God-Flavours' that are lying dormant in those around us. 

Just think about that for a moment - every person around us is already love by God, even if they haven't yet understood that love. There are hidden 'flavours' in these people and God has asked us to help draw these flavours out. The task is huge, but God believes in us, so let's get to work then!

Living in Grace

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Strange blessing

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. 
With less of you there is more of God and his rule." - Matthew 5:3 (Message)

I am not sure if you have ever thought of this 'Beatitude' in this way, but Jesus makes a challenging comment here, doesn't he?

Less of me, Lord.
More of YOU.
May You rule in our hearts today.

Living in Grace
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Climbing companions

"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions." - Matthew 5:1-2

I absolutely love this phrase that Eugene Peterson uses in his version of Matthew 5:2.... "climbing companions." It speaks to me on so many levels, but reminds me that my faith journey is not made alone - Christ makes the journey with me. 

In the end, this for me, separates Jesus Christ from all other deities - other gods wait for us to work our way to them, but Jesus climbs with us. The adventure of faith/life is like climbing a huge mountain and we have a climbing companion who also acts as our guide. Brilliant hey!?

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." -Helen Keller

Living in Grace
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