Keep moving forward

As one takes a deeper look at the familiar story of the Israelites heading towards the Promised Land, we notice something interesting:

"After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." - Exodus 13

It only occurred to me now, why God used the pillar of fire to lead the Israelites. God wanted them to keep moving forward, and to put distance between themselves and the chasing Egyptians. It probably seemed a natural thing for them to rest at night and to only travel by day, but this would have been too dangerous for them, so God told them to walk in the dark. 

Obviously, God is not suggesting that we don't sleep at night, but I do think there is something profound about the idea of us 'moving forward', despite the darkness that may hamper our journey. Is it possible that in a time of despair we are tempted to stop? To give up? Could God be nudging us onward and promising to shine a light for us?

What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Moved any mountains?

This is a prayer that I found last week and used conjunction with the sermon entitled "What is your mountain?" It is so appropriate and beautiful that I want to share it with us all.

“Lord, I've never moved a mountain and I guess I never will. All the faith that I could muster wouldn't move a small ant hill. Yet I'll tell you, Lord, I'm grateful for the joy of knowing Thee, and for all the mountain moving down through life You've done for me.

When I needed some help you lifted me from the depths of great despair. And when burdens, pain and sorrow have been more than I can bear, you have always been my courage to restore life's troubled sea, and to move these little mountains that have looked so big to me.

Many times when I've had problems and when bills I've had to pay, and the worries and the heartaches just kept mounting every day, Lord, I don't know how you did it. Can't explain the wheres or whys. All I know, I've seen these mountains turn to blessings in disguise.

No, I've never moved a mountain, for my faith is far too small. Yet, I thank you, Lord of Heaven, you have always heard my call. And as long as there are mountains in my life, I'll have no fear, for the mountain-moving Jesus is my strength and always near. - Source Unknown.

Matthew 17:20-21 - “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Lifting the Elephant

 

What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples: “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:20)

If he was speaking about literal mountains then I feel like a huge failure. I am yet to move any physical mountains and it isn't for the lack of trying. However, if Jesus was speaking about issues, things, and situations that seem like MASSIVE MOUNTAINS to us, then I believe we will see God move these! 

What do you think about this?  

"With a stout heart, a mouse can lift an elephant" - Tibetan Proverb

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Settling in

It always takes time to settle into a new home. For some it can take months or even years. At the moment we are settling nicely into our new home and getting used to new surroundings. We know that it will take time to physically settle, but the blessing we have is that "in Jesus" we can be constantly settled. Our spiritual 'center' has not changed at all, even though we have relocated. It reminds me of the following words of Isaiah...

"... the God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me." - Isaiah 30:15-17 (Message)

Our strength comes from being dependent on Jesus. When our trust is in Him, then we are settled.

What do you think?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Getting there ... slowly!

Unpacking is not a fun task at all. Box after box after box. And just when you think you are nearly the end, another box appears from nowhere. A friend asked us today how the unpacking was going and our answer was "we are getting there slowly!"

And that is the truth - we will get to the end sometime in the future, but it won't be finished in a few days - it all takes time. This should be a good lesson for us in the season of Advent. After all, a lot of us want Christmas to be here RIGHT NOW, and we don't like the waiting part.

However, moving towards Christmas day .... slowly, allows us to take in the beauty of the season, the expectancy of the Christ-child and the miracle of the Messiah. Rushing through Advent doesn't make us enjoy Christmas nearly as much as when we wait patiently.

So here is a little advice for us all - let us take a deep breath, soak in the Christmas carols and celebrations, unpack each advent 'box' slowly and thank God for his presence with us. We will get there in the end and the wait is always well worth it!

Luke 2:38 - "She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Keep moving

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein

As we prepare ourselves for the start of another new term, it is important to try and take stock of where we are at in our Christian walk. Taking stock is a key spiritual discipline, but we also have to keep moving forward (as Einstein says) so that we maintain some balance.

As we begin a new month may we move forward with the Grace of God upon us and the strength of the Spirit within us. Keep walking with God by your side.

Job 17:9 - "...the righteous shall move onward and forward; those with pure hearts shall become stronger and stronger."

Living in Grace
D3LM3