Don't let yourself be disturbed!

 

Have you felt yourself becoming restless and disturbed lately? It could be down to a lot of different reasons, but we can easily become anxious and worried about many things. Life is complex and we are facing may tough situations all around us. 

When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, he encouraged them not to be afraid. He says to them in John 14:1 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and also trust in me."

In the Complete Jewish Bible, the verse reads like this: "Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me." I like the variation in this translation because it really speaks to me. 

I pray that whatever you may be facing at the moment, that you would Trust in Jesus, and allow God's Spirit to keep your heart from becoming too anxious and disturbed.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

My Redeemer lives

Even when all seemed dark and depressing around him, Job was able to proclaim:

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. (Job 19:25)

There is so much depth in this single sentence and it reminds us of God's promise to come to us in our times of need. It is one thing to be able to say these words when all is going well, but it is something entirely different when we are staring at the cliff face.

In the Complete Jewish Bible, it comes across in a slightly different way, but still holds the good news:

“But I know that my Redeemer lives, that in the end he will rise on the dust."

May these words offer you the hope you need today.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Children of God - we are no longer slaves, but family!

One of the most profound statements made in the New Testament is that all people can become the children of God. Paul writes this in Romans 8...

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:14-17

In modern times these words don't seem to have the same impact as they would have had on the first hearers of the Good News. In a time when only people of Jewish descent were seen as the children of God (sons and daughters of Abraham), Paul invited all people to open their hearts to the Spirit and to become heirs of God.

May you be encouraged by these words today - we are children of the living God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Chasing the rainbow

I saw a beautiful rainbow this morning while out on a run. We had just had a little drizzle and the sun was trying its best to peek out from behind the dark clouds. Suddenly I was blessed with the sight of a giant rainbow right in front of me. As I ran down the hill it looked as if I was chasing the rainbow - sadly, I didn't find a pot of gold at the end of it though. 

"The rainbow of God's promise
Is always shining bright,
And when the storm is over
We'll see its blessed light.
And if we'll only trust him
As little children do,
He'll take us gently by the hand
And see us safely through." - Betsey Kline

Genesis 9:16 - "When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth."

Thought: Rainbows are seldom seen when the sky is clear - they shine best when there are dark clouds around. When we face storms this year, let us remember that God is always with us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. Please feel free to forward these posts to anyone who may need some encouragement. Asking them to sign up to the blog is a great way for us to grow this ministry - thank you for your help in this. Grace. 

God can do anything

These words may not be familiar to you as they come from the paraphrase of Eugene Peterson - however, I have included the original at the end of the post. The are wonderful words of promise and hope for a new year.
 
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!" - Ephesians 3:20-21

<sup>Hold onto these words and allow them to fill your heart with promise and peace.

"</sup>Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Clouds in our lives

The clouds were spectacular on my morning run today. They were unique, dark and full of promise. In the distance I saw the sun trying to shine through the clouds and leaving wonderful colours on the horizon. 

 

Then it struck me - so often we assume that Cloudless days are the best days and that they somehow speak of a perfect day. However, the best sunrises and sunsets are when there are clouds in the sky. The clouds change the colours of the light and make these moments into glorious events. Of course, clouds also hold the promise of rain and of new life. And who can forget how God guided the Israelites by using a clouds in the desert.

Job 35:5 -Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you.

Job 36:28 - the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind.
 

Ezekiel 1:28 - Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. 

 

Prayer: Thank God for the clouds in our lives.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3