Rocks into water

When we read the words of Scripture, we see that people in Biblical times believed that miracles were very possible. Sadly, our modern age has brought with it a great degree of skepticism, and unless we can explain something, we are reluctant to believe it possible.

In Psalm 114, the Psalmist writes:

7 "Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
    at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
    the hard rock into springs of water."

In this post-Easter season, the idea of God turning rock into water shouldn't be so hard to comprehend. He did a similar miracle through the hand of Moses (water from the rock) and then later through the example of Jesus, God raised him from the dead. 

Thought: What do the words of Psalm 114:7-8 mean for you today? Why are we so skeptical of things we cannot understand? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Limitations

"If God limited his work to people who were talented, capable or credentialed, there would be no mystery to God's accomplishments, and little glory to his account." - Chuck Smith

This quote reminded me of the many characters in the bible who are 'ordinary' people like us. This makes the mystery of God's work in their lives even more believable, because very little depended on their 'spiritual qualifications.'

If capable and talented people accomplish great things we don't always notice God's Spirit working in their lives, but when something amazing is done through a 'Joe Soap' or 'Mary Bloggs' we know that something supernatural had to have been involved.

Acts 19:11 - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul..."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What does God intend?

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20

This verse popped up again this last week and it always leaves me feeling hopeful. These words come at the end of Joseph's long journey through pain, slavery, prison and finally vindication. Joseph has spiritually reached a place where he is able to see God's bigger guiding hand at work in his life. I am not sure he displayed as much faith and trust in God's purposes, when he was stuck in the dark pit, or the prison cell, but to his credit Joseph kept believing in the miracles of God.

What about us? Have we learnt over the years to trust in the hand of God or do we still try and wrestle with God's ways?

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

When the odds are stacked against you

Ever felt as if the odds are stacked against you?
Well, if you have, then you must remember that you are not alone in feeling like this. Listen to David's prayer to God in Psalm 3:

"Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
² Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.”

Perhaps David felt that the numbers of people against him were too many to count. If it had been one or two, I am sure he wouldn't have felt so overwhelmed, but clearly he feels as if the odds are against him. The Good News for us today, is that God specialises in defeating the odds - even when they are stacked "One Million : One" God can come through for us. 

Hang in there and see what God can do.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Give me an Island

Many years ago Corrie Ten Boom was arranging flights for her next speaking engagement. In those days there was no direct flight from Sydney to Cape Town, so the travel agent booked a stop over for the plane to refuel. Unfortunately the stop over was going to delay Corrie's plans and was going to make her miss some speaking engagements. She called the agent and asked why this was the case and the answer came back: "I am sorry, but there are no refuelling spots in the middle of the Indian Ocean."

Corrie was adamant she needed to arrive on the correct date and so she responded with these words: "Well, I cannot change my plans at this late notice. I will just have to pray for an ISLAND, so we can land there."

A few hours later she got another call from the Travel agent saying that they had just managed to arrange a fuel stop on the Cocos Islands - God gave her the ISLAND she prayed for!

Sometimes God answers prayers in ways and means that we could never imagine.

Acts 19:11 - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul..."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Give God Room

Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision, used to speak of a concept called "God Room." By this he meant that we need to give God space/room to work in our lives and in the situations we find ourselves. So often we try to over plan things and get things perfect, but we leave God out of the equation. It is so much more powerful to do our share and then to watch God work in the 'room' we give Him space to do what is best.

It is my hope that 2017 will allow us a chance to partner with Jesus in all that He is already doing. That we would bring our gifts and abilities to the table, but that we would also step back and give God space and room to work.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

What miracle are you praying for?

How do you define a "Miracle?"

I am not even sure there is a satisfactory definition of one? In trying to find a simple definition I came across some complicated quotes and definitions, but I liked the following one the best:

Ron Dunn defines a miracle as "God doing what only God can do!"

The writer of Exodus would seem to agree with this sentiment:

"The Lord replied, “Listen, I am making a covenant with you in the presence of all your people. I will perform miracles that have never been performed anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the Lord—the awesome power I will display for you." - Exodus 34:10

As we enter into the season of Advent let us be reminded that Jesus Christ is able to do miracles. I pray that you would experience the power of God in your life today and that one day you would notice the "miracles" around you.


John 6:2 (MSG) - A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples.

 If you have testimony of what God has done recently (in your life) please share it with me - I'd love to know.

What miracle are you praying for?

Living in Grace
D3LM3