Having a purpose

Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

The Austrian psychiatrist, Victor Frankl, has written on the relation of the meaning of life as related to the whole structure of our personality. 

It is his thinking "that the need to find meaning in our life is more basic to a human being than pleasure and power or anything else." The thing he keeps repeating is that if a person has a "why" to live, they can endure any "how." However, if "why" is lacking, then the persons whole life eventually collapses.

2 Corinthians 5:5 - Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

What do you think of this?

Living in Grace

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Holding you in my heart

"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me." - Philippians 1:7

Paul certainly had a way with words. I can picture the early Christian community gathering together in a small room to worship, excitedly waiting for the elders to read the letter from Paul. And what a joy it must have been to hear these words: "...I have you in my heart!"

These words transcend boundaries, geography and perhaps even logic. They speak to us of having a connection with someone special, even though we are not physically in the same space as that person. 

For Paul, it was knowing that he still loved and prayed for the Christians in Philippi despite him being captive in prison. For you and me it could be holding a loved one in our hearts, even though we don't see them any longer or may not see them for years to come. The unique bond we have with these people is kept sacred in our hearts.

Mary's response to the prophecy of Jesus' birth was similar in some ways. She pondered the words of the angel in her heart, keeping them safe until Jesus had been born (Luke 2:19).

Thought: Who do you hold in your heart at the moment?

Living in grace

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I am grateful - how about you?

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." - Hebrews 13:7

I am very grateful for those amazing people who modelled Christianity for me over the years. This verse urges us to remember them and then to 'consider' (think on) their lives and finally, to imitate their faith. 

Someone once suggested that the definition of a Saint is "a person in whom Christ lives again." 

In some respects, our Christian role-models have been saints - Christ has lived on in their lives and through their example we have been taught about the ways of Jesus. And for their lives, I am extremely grateful!  

Exercise: Think about one person who has shaped your spiritual life. Give thanks to God for them today.

Philippians 1:3 - Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Living in Grace

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Robert Falcon Scott and the Apostle Paul

On this day (12th November) 1912, the diary and body of Robert Falcon Scott were found in Antartica. He had been dead for 8 months already, but no one could retrieve his body because of the extreme weather conditions. 

One of the intriguing things about Scott is how he faced his last few days on earth with fortitude and bravery. There was a certain peace in his heart about the inevitability of death. These are some of his last words, as longed for his loved ones to be taken care of:

"We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker of course and the end cannot be far. It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more. For God's sake, look after our people."

His words remind me a little of the writings of St. Paul. Even when Paul was in prison, he wrote letters filled with hope and always thought of others. Take for example these words from the first chapter of Philippians.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus."

Thought: Do you find it easy to pray for others even when you are going through tough times yourself?

Living in Grace

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P.S. Just out of interest, you may like to know that my maternal grandfather's name is also Robert Scott. Perhaps that helps explain why I am interested in this bit of historical trivia today :) 

Carry on until the end

Sir Francis Drake wrote a prayer that may be helpful for you today:

"O Lord God, when thou givest to thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished, which yields the true glory: through him who for the finishing of thy work laid down his life, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Philippians 1:6 - "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

The hardest part is not always beginning something, but rather having the courage to carry on until the end. 

Living in grace

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Do not worry

I find the following words of Paul quite disturbing. 

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6

They disturb me because of the many times I easily slip into worry mode. Afterall, I know this scripture - and you know this scripture, yet how many times do we still worry. It seems that worry becomes a default setting for many of us. 

This verse does however remind us of the gift of prayer. We are instructed not to worry, because we can make our requests to God. I suppose, it simply invites us to ask God to do the 'worrying' for us. 

What do you make of this verse? Do you also sometimes slip into worry-mode?

"And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?" - Luke 12:26

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Meeting half-way

In his letter to the church, Paul urges them to "Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." (Philippians 4:5)

The word gentleness gives us some idea of what he was getting at, but other translations of the Bible translate the original word as patience, softness, the patient mind, modesty, forbearance, or magnanimity. The nearest translation would be something like “let the world know that you will meet a person half-way.’

I think this is something that is severely lacking in our world today, yet Jesus went out of his way to encounter people in such a way. When Jesus showed gentleness to others it was always with the heart of compassion and bringing them into a living relationship with God. 

What do you think? 

Living in Grace

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Stand firm

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved." - Philippians 4:1

In this verse, we see how much Paul loves the church. The phrase ‘whom I love and long for’ speaks of his deep affection for the community. However, he adds something interesting to these sentiments. He urges them to Stand firm (stand fast) in the Lord. It was as if he knew that they would be confronted with many challenges, but he knew that they could get through them, if they stayed strong in the Lord. 

When Eugene Peterson reflects on the same verse, he adds these sentiments – “Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.” (Message)

May we all know the strength of the Spirit as we seek to stand firm in the Lord.

Living in Grace

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Best corrective for pride

“The best corrective against pride … is to know God, His character and the truth about Him.” - Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Pride is something that many of us struggle with. It is one of the 7 deadly sins but is often subtlety working itself out in the background of our lives, while we aren't aware of it. We think we have a handle on it, but it can rear its ugly head so quickly, wrecking its own path of destruction. 

I think that what Martyn Lloyd-Jones suggests, as a corrective measure against pride, is very helpful. We can't 'will' our pride away, but the more time we spend in the presence of Jesus, the more our pride will be put in its proper place. We see no pride in Jesus and so when we rest at his feet, our nature will be shaped by the character of God.

Philippians 2:5 - "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness."

Living in Grace

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Suffering is not optional

“Dear Child of God, I am sorry to say that suffering is not optional.” - Desmond Tutu

We started our preaching series on the book of Job this weekend and the quote from Desmond Tutu (above) has lived with me throughout this week. For a long time, I believed that when I experienced some kind of suffering, that it was because of something I had done wrong, and that God was punishing me. 

Thankfully, I see God in a different light now, but there are still many people who think (mistakenly) that their suffering is caused by some defect in their spiritual lives. I feel this is not what God wants from us - this is dangerous theology. Suffering is universal and it is God who helps us get through these moments of pain and trial. 

Paul says something interesting in Philippians. He states: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." (3:10-11)

What would this mean for us? Let me know what you are thinking, please. 

As we continue through this preaching series, I am sure I will share a few more thoughts on Job and suffering. Remember, that if you would like to listen to the sermon, you can click on this link.

Living in Grace

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Relinquish

"Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you.
he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22

As we contemplate this verse, we should note the invitation to relinquish our burdens and cares to the Lord. This is not always an easy thing to do, but such an important step in our faith.

What are struggling to relinquish to God at the moment?

How can you begin to let God take control?

Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns (The Message). 

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.”
― Ann Landers

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Prayer for Peace

In our troubled times there are many helpful prayers for peace. Here is the short prayer that has been helping me in these difficult days.

"Lord, I come before you ready to pour out my worries, anxieties, and fears at Your feet. I am claiming and declaring Your promises for blessings of peace and strength over my life. Bring peace into my soul that passes all worldly understanding and make me a light for others to see Your strength." (www.christianity.com) 

Paul suggests the following

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6

May God's peace enfold you with his care and grace.

Living in Grace

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The work of grace

We are blessed to read the words of Xavier Moran today as he reflects on his experience of the Cross and Easter. Thanks again Xavier. If you are keen to read a little more about Xavier's journey please visit his personal web-page. It is well worth your time. 

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12b-13).

If you cast your eye across a wall filled with photographic snapshots of my spiritual journey you would come across an Autumn scene of seventeen-year-old me kneeling on a hillside committing my life to Jesus. At the time, I was attending the annual Youth Easter Camp led by a combined team from the Methodist Circuit in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Because of this moment, Easter assumed the role of a spiritual ‘gauge’ of sorts, whereby I consider each year how I’m doing with the ‘working out of my salvation’.

In the early years I was often given to guilt when reflecting on the cross, feeling that I wasn’t doing enough for Jesus. Although I knew I was saved by grace, I measured my life by works and it gave my walk with Jesus an Achilles heel of condemnation.

In more recent years I have come to understand that ‘the work’ I need to do is simply to remember that I will always be that seventeen-year-old on the hillside. That even though I may grow in knowledge and experience, it’s always ‘God who works in me to will and to act.’ That my first work is to accept that I’ve nothing to offer and then to find my peace in the knowledge that what is given through me is from Him and will be made complete by Him, ‘in order to fulfil his good purpose.’

Lord Jesus, help us to accept your work on the cross and to receive the power of your Holy Spirit as we live out the resurrected life for the advancement of your Kingdom.

Living in Grace

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Content?

http://thechristianupdate.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/contentment.png How content are you at the moment? Rate yourself out of 10. The writer of Ecclesiastes hits home to us today that we live in times where people are so discontented with everything. As soon as we get the things we desire, we start looking for the next thing. All the time we are praying that this will be the silver bullet for us - surely this will give us peace!? "Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content." - Ecclesiastes 1:8 I am not sure if you can relate to this sentiment today, but if you can, then read these words from Paul. They may guide us into a new way - the way of Christ. "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." - Philippians 4:11-12 That is the secret. This is what Solomon was after. May you find peace and contentment today. Living in Grace D3LM3

With Thanksgiving

The following passage has meant a great deal to me in the last few days. It has many dimensions to it, but I wanted to share it with you and pray that there will be something meaningful for you in these words.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:4-7

If you want to read it in a different version, here it is in the Living Bible:

^"Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus."

Which part of the passage speaks to you?

Living in Grace
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Product of your circumstances!?

Are you a product of your circumstances? Putting this in another way - have the circumstances you have encountered in life made you into the person you are today?

Stephen Covey argues that we are NOT a product of our circumstances. He says:
"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."

While I agree that situations impact upon our lives, in a greater or lesser degree, I still think that we are able to use these circumstances 'for good or bad.' For this reason, I like what Paul said in Philippians 4:10-14.

"I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."

This is such an important lesson to try and learn. I am not there yet, but I strive to allow Christ to shape my life and not all the circumstances around me.

Living in Grace
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May the Fourth be with you

Star Wars fans introduced an unofficial 'Star Wars Day' on the 4th May many years ago. To mark this day, fans use the catchphrase 'May the Fourth be with you', as it has an obvious link to the famous line from the movies - 'may the Force be with you!'

This reminds me a lot of the greeting that Christians give to each other in our gatherings. We often conclude our time together by passing on a blessing. These words have their origins in the letters of Paul.

2 Corinthians 13:14 - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Philippians 4:23 - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

2 Timothy 4:22 - May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.

So, as you go about your tasks today, I pray that the 'Lord would be with you.' 
And if you are a Star Wars fan, may the force also be with you :)

Living in Grace
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We are not as Invincible as we think

Today marks the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The 15th April 1912 will go down as the day 1500 passengers aboard the "unsinkable" Titanic died in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you would like to read some interesting facts about the Titanic go to this link and enjoy the article.

The reason I am reminding us of this fateful day in Nautical history is because the Titanic will always confirm that "people are not as invincible as we think we are!" This ship was lauded as being "practically unsinkable" and no one believed it would end in the way it did. As humans, we got arrogant and with this pride, we fell into the age-old trap of self-reliance. We thought we had it all covered, but there were a few things that the owners, engineers and builders had neglected to check out. The most obvious one being the number of life boats on board the Titanic - there were only enough boats for 1 out of 3 passengers!

Although I believe we can  'do all things through Christ who strengthens us' (Philippians 4:13), I do feel that we need to maintain proper perspective. As a human being, I am deeply loved by Jesus, but I am not Invincible. In fact, the sooner we realise that "we are not God" the better for us all. It will be the pride of humanity that we lead to our ultimate demise.

What do you think?

Proverbs 16:18 - "First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall" (Message)

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When a Queen becomes a Slave - Lent 2

"She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave." - Lamentations 1:1

This verse teaches me about humility. When one is at the top of your game or if you feel as if you are standing tall among your peers, then it is good to remember that even 'Royalty' can lose their positions. Just because we are Kings and Queens today, doesn't mean that we will be that in the future. As soon as you put your neck out above others, then your critics are more than willing to chop your head off.

In this season of Lent, we are reminded that Jesus chose the path of humility (Philippians 2:8) - and that we should do likewise. We are also taught that when we humble ourselves, we will be exalted one day. It is not that God desires us to be lowly slaves our entire lives, but we can't deny that when we become Kings/Queens, we quickly forget our need of God.


"Oh, oh, oh . . .
How empty the city, once teeming with people.
    A widow, this city, once in the front rank of nations,
    once queen of the ball, she’s now a drudge in the kitchen." - Lamentations 1:1

Philippians 2:8 -  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Living in Grace
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Elbow grease

I was busy cleaning the grimy bits off the frying pan yesterday (as all good husbands do) when I suddenly thought of that old term "applying some elbow grease!" It was clear that the grime was only going to come off with a little hard work. However, in the end it was worth all the effort.

And so the question applies to us today - is there some 'elbow grease' needed in our faith adventure? Our spirituality will go through times where we need to work a little harder than usual, but in the end it will be worth it. Thankfully, we don't need to earn our salvation, but there are times when we do need to be discipline in making sure that we 'work out our salvation.'

Are you experiencing some tough times at the moment. May God grant you the strength to persevere unto the end. Remember that our Faith is worth the effort.

Philippians 2:12 - "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..."

Living in Grace
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