Totally Inspired

I was privileged to spend part of my day off at an inspirational breakfast this morning. Lewis Pugh was the guest speaker and what he had to say was totally inspiring. I have not been that challenged and inspired in a long time. I am now going to start reading his book, which I got him to sign today. As he was busy signing the book I told him I was a Pastor and that I appreciated all he did and how he inspires many people. As we finished our brief conversation he reminded my of this quote from missionary William Carey:

“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

I couldn't agree more! Life is short - God has given us so many things to use for His glory and to bless others. We need to attempt great things for God.

Be inspired this weekend.
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Do something

Oscar Romero of El Salvador was assassinated in 1980 for speaking up for his faith. In part of a beautiful poem, he wrote these words:

"This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities."

Do something for God today. Plant the seed; water the seed or lay some foundation. It may not be complete, but God will help to bring the appropriate harvest.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

We've Lost!

This Palm Sunday I have been struck most by John 12:19 (from the New Living Translation). As the pharisees noticed the crowds of people following Jesus, they said these words:
"We've Lost!"

For them, they saw Jesus as a threat. He was turning 'their' people away from them. Jesus was preaching with authority. His influence was perhaps affecting their bank balances. Everything about Jesus was really irritating them. They were 'losing' and Jesus was winning. So, they conjured up a plan to make sure that Jesus stopped gaining the edge - their plan was murder!

Sometimes in Church circles we also worry about 'winning' and 'losing'. If a particular church seems to be 'drawing' people we start to get jealous. We start to get uneasy and often we allow our feelings to become vocal. We may even feel as if we are losing and they are winning.

The ironic thing about Jesus and Pharisees was that Jesus actually came to be on their 'side' first of all, but they refused to accept him (John 1:11-12). If Jesus had chosen a team to play for, he would have chosen the Jewish one - after all he was Jewish. Sadly, he was rejected by his own people and that's when he preached the Good News to everyone. Their loss became our gain.

May our bitterness never prevent us from seeing the 'Truth' of Jesus' mission.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Watch and Pray

Speaking about 'Partnering with God' has been an interesting journey for me. At the same time as reading John Ortberg, I have been working through Contemplating the Cross (T.M.Rhodes) and today she wrote on the Garden of Gethsemane.

You may remember that Jesus had invited the disciples to keep watch and to pray, but they had fallen asleep. Was this not a moment where the disciples were asked to 'Partner with Jesus' but they ended up dropping the ball? For me, it seems so!

How often have I given my 'Yes' to Jesus, but then become sidetracked by other things (sleep, pressure, opinion, fear, pride etc) and then woken with the realisation that I had let Jesus down?
Too often, me thinks!!

"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation;
the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Mark 14:38

Prayer is partnering with God.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Partners with God

Have you ever thought about the concept of 'partnership with God?' I know that it seems a little weird - what could I contribute that God hasn't already got sorted out? The amazing thing is that God delights in working with us to see his purpose prevail. Sure God doesn't need our help, but the fact that he wants to include us is awesome.

Philippians 1:5 - "...because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

Prayer: Lord, show me how I can 'partner' with you. I want to be on your team and see your Kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven.

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Photo from here