Engraved on my hands

 

¹⁵ “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
    and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
    I will not forget you!
¹⁶ See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands

These prophetic words of Isaiah are fulfilled in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ and serve as a wonderful reminder that God always remembers us. In modern times many people choose to get parts of their bodies tattooed with the names of their children. In this act, they are choosing to hold their kids always before them.

This is perhaps a similar picture of what Isaiah is pointing to. How do you feel about this? 

“Remember this: God never forgets. His love is a constant reminder that, no matter our struggles, He is with us.” – Max Lucado

Living in Grace

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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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Paying the debt

Hebrews 7:22 - "Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God."

The understanding of a guarantor is of 'someone who commits to pay back a debt if the original borrower can't pay it back.' Another name for this person is a 'surety.' The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the one who guarantees the New Covenant with his Father. 

In order to try and explain this in another way, the author Max Lucado shares this story: 

"A man had a daughter in college. He had set up a checking account for her so that she would have some money at school and could be responsible to pay her bills through this account. He was trying to help her learn how to manage a budget. He gave her some money to start the account, and she put money into her account through an on-campus job she had. He was also on the account as a guarantor to the bank since his daughter was still a minor. 

One day the bank sent him an overdraft notice on his daughter’s account. The amount of the overdraft was $25.37. What should he do? Let the bank absorb it? They won’t. Send her an angry letter? Admonition might help her later, but it won’t satisfy the bank .... He knew he could transfer the money from his account to hers. That seemed like the best option. So, he did. He replenished her account and paid the overdraft fee as well.

He then called her. He told her about the overdraft. She said she was sorry. But she told him she had no money to repay him at that moment. She was broke.

After a pause she began, “Dad, could you….” But before she could continue the sentence Dad said, “Honey, I already have.” 

Isn’t that amazing. Dad had met her need before she knew she had one."

And this is the story of the Gospel. While we were still caught up in our sinful lives, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). He became the sacrifice and the guarantor, both at the same time. 

Living Grace

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Doing a little mining

“If you want to grow in the Word of God, become a person with a chisel and quarry the Word – look, explore, seek. Let the Word of God become your Word, and you will grow.” – Max Lucado

The idea of becoming a 'miner' of God's Word intrigues me. I believe that it necessary to approach the study of the Scriptures with intent, focus and the desire to 'mine the riches' that are hidden in the pages of the Bible. Of course, sometimes the treasures are in plain sight, but there are a few days when one really needs to dig deeper to find the precious gifts from God.

 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ecclesiastes 12:9 - Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 

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What is Jesus doing while you go through your storm?

“For the people of the promise, Jesus is praying. The midst of your storm, he is praying for you.” - Max Lucado

I found these words very comforting this week. As you read them, I invite you to also read this passage from Matthew 14.

"As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared to death. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” (v.22-27)

Hold onto this thought as you start a new week.

Living in Grace

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Even before we were known on earth

Every time I read Psalm 139 I am reminded of how much God loves each one of us. And then when we read the same passage from a few different translations, the wonder of God's love becomes even more pronounced. Take the words from Eugene Peterson's paraphrase as an example:

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
    you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
    Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
    I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
    you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
    how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
    all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
    before I’d even lived one day." - Psalm 139:13-16

Max Lucado adds another unique insight into these words when he contemplates how God has loved us even before we breathed our first breath – “You were loved in heaven before you were known on earth.”

Living in Grace

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We have everything we need

At the end of every year we often spend time wondering what we need in the coming year. There are expectations and commitments to think about, as well as worries, burdens and curve-balls to navigate. However, as Christians we also have the greatest gift for the journey ahead - we have God with us. In the following words of Max Lucado we truly have everything we need.

“You have a God who hears you,
the power of love behind you,
the Holy Spirit within you,
and all of heaven ahead of you.
If you have the Shepherd,
you have grace for every sin,
direction for every turn,
a candle for every corner
and an anchor for every storm.
You have everything you need.” – Max Lucado

Luke 11:10 - “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in." (Message)

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What pleases God

Hidden away in a verse in Timothy we catch a glimpse of something interesting. Paul suggests that we can please God with the way we pray about issues and people. See what you think:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Saviour…”

The first thing I notice in these words is that we can present our requests to God in many different forms:

Petitions, Prayers, Intercession, Thanksgiving...

Which one of these types of prayer do you find the most difficult at the moment? 

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado

Then Paul says that we should pray for all in authority, as this can impact upon our own lives. We pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful lives. Interesting, hey? What are your thoughts?

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Why would you exchange a castle for a stable?

Max Lucado writes a moving piece about the choice that God made when he sent Jesus into our world. In the simplicity of these words we grasp the magnitude of God's humility and willingness to lay his glory aside for us.

"Jesus swapped a spotless castle for a grimy stable.
He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers.
He could hold the universe in his palm,
But have it up to float in the womb of a maiden."

John 10:18 - "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

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Testing my motives - Lent reflection

Reflecting on this passage from Ezekiel 9, Max Lucado writes:

“Idols come in attractive packages today. You can identify them when they keep you from worship, consume your tithe, or become what you are most proud of.”

I feel that these words summarise the overall attitude of the Israelites before God allowed them to be taken into exile. They had become proud, arrogant and self-reliant. They felt they didn’t need God anymore and so this ultimately became their idol. Idolatry is not always linked in with a statue of a pseudo god, but it can be as discreet as ‘worshipping oneself.’

Ezekiel’s vision continues to jar at our senses, but we must remember that there are images that God gave to him, so that he could communicate a message to the people. I feel we shouldn’t get to bogged down on the definitive meaning of each one, as it can be a little confusing. However, we need to take note of the overriding message that comes through – God is heart-broken that we have turned our backs on Him and he is going to respond as a jilted lover – with anger. 

“Oh, Lord God! Will you destroy everyone left alive in Israel when you turn loose your anger on Jerusalem?” – Ezekiel 9:8

Prayer: Lord, help me to test my motives so that I may walk in your ways. 

Living in Grace

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Refine or Define?

"Let your failures refine you, not define you." - Max Lucado

I have learnt so much from my failures and mistakes. They have taught me a lot about life, people and myself. I think this quote from Max Lucado is a wonderful insight into how, with God's help, we can allow our failures to 'refine' us.

Isaiah 48:10 - "Do you see what I’ve done? I’ve refined you, but not without fire. I’ve tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction. Out of myself, simply because of who I am, I do what I do."

God knows that we are not perfect, but as a loving parent, he believes the best of us. God wants us to become more and more like Jesus and so this takes REFINING. Let us not resist the refining of God's Spirit.

What things is God refining in your life at the moment?

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Out of options?

"It is when we are out of options that we are most ready for God's surprises." - Max Lucado

Why is it that we sometimes have to get to the end of our 'human' wisdom and options before God seems to show up? Is it because that is when I am truly willing to do things God's way? Is it because I am so exhausted from all my own effort that I have to allow God's hand to work? I am not sure, but all I know is that God's surprise are always intended for our best interests. 

So, if you feel that you are out of options today, don't despair - God has plenty of options he is wanting to use.

“Go and tell David, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.’” - 2 Samuel 24:12

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Where does bravery start?

When do you start to feel brave? Is it at the moment you are confronted with an obstacle or is it something you are born with - a "brave" gene?

Max Lucado makes an interesting point in his book, Fear Not. He says, "Biographies of bold disciples begin with chapters of honest terror."

Just read that sentence again... 

Today, when we read the biographies of brave disciples, we forget that many of them began their steps of faith by stumbling and being afraid. Take any number of the brave disciples as your litmus test and you will see what I mean.

Simon Peter - did he start out brave? No ways.

Thomas - how brave did he feel after Jesus died? He didn't even want to hang around with the disciples anymore.

Thaddeus?

Bartholomew?

Philip?

Even Old Testament characters weren't always brave.

Gideon - was he keen for a Godly challenge? No on your life!

Moses - he wanted Aaron to go instead of him.

Our biographies may not start with much fanfare, but as we bravely hang onto the Gospel, let us pray that God equips us for his great Kingdom work.

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Just make the invitation

“God is so willing to enter your world.

The hospital room? He goes there.

Late-night deadlines? He will stay up with you.

Just invite him in.” – Max Lucado (Come Thirsty)

 I find it interesting that on some level we believe that God is 'everywhere' and that we can't run away from God's presence. However, when we face all kinds of trials and difficulties, God is often the last person to be "invited" into those situations. Maybe we are afraid that God won't show up or that God doesn't want to go there - that God is preoccupied with other things. On the contrary I think that Jesus is wanting to enter into every aspect of our lives - not to spoil the moment, but rather to accompany us through these times.

So, just INVITE Jesus into the situation you are facing today.

•  œ Psalm 138:7 – “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me …. And your right hand will save me.”

Living in Grace

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Greater heights

"The love of Christ compels us to do what we never thought we could do and go to heights we never thought we could reach." - Max Lucado

May the love of Christ move us to reach for the impossible and to climb mountains we thought unconquerable.

Isaiah 2:2 - "In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it."

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God came near

"Let us realize how near he is, and that nothing escapes him, not our thoughts, or the plans we make." - Clement of Alexandria

I remember as a young Christian reading a book by Max Lucado entitled 'God came near' - it was a wonderful reminder of how God choose to enter our world. Jesus came near to humanity and brought us all the gift of Life - this was God's master stroke.

God realised that we were floundering and so instead of sending another angel, God decided to send himself. How brilliant is that?

So perhaps Clement was right - "nothing escapes God - not our thoughts or even our plans!' It's now up to us to realise how close God is to us!

Be blessed by God's grace today

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