A reading to uplift your spirits today

Here is a reading to uplift your spirits today.

"1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121

God bless you today.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Walking through a dark forest

Amy Carmichael describes her struggles as if she was wandering in a dark wood (forest). Later on, in her life, when she was struggling with her own health, she wrote these beautiful words:

"Look up to the light that pours into the wood from high above the trees. The long, pure rays of that conquering light are interwoven with the tall stems of the trees, even as threads bright and dark are interwoven in the web of our lives."

She then wrote these next words as a form of a prayer: "Look above the treetops, O my soul; from thence flow the foundations of light. See how that blessed light streams through the wood."

Her thoughts made me think of Psalm 121 again. These are such encouraging words for us.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121

Living in Grace

D3LM3

When we need a Guardian

I was reading through Psalm 121 in the Complete Jewish Bible, as it offers some fresh insight into familiar passages. While doing this, I was struck by the use of the word 'Guardian', which is repeated a few times. In simple terms, a Guardian is someone who takes care of another person who is not able to care for themselves in the present moment. Usually this in the case of a child, who has a Guardian until they reach a certain age.

However, is this also not true of our relationship with God. Sometimes we are not able to take care of ourselves, and we need to be reminded that we have a God who is willing and able to be that Guardian for us.

He will not let your foot slip —
your guardian is not asleep.
4 No, the guardian of Isra’el
never slumbers or sleeps.

5 Adonai is your guardian; at your right hand
Adonai provides you with shade —
6 the sun can’t strike you during the day
or even the moon at night.

7 Adonai will guard you against all harm;
he will guard your life.
8 Adonai will guard your coming and going
from now on and forever. (Psalm 121)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Talking to the Mountains - A Lent journey through Ezekiel

As we start reading through Ezekiel 6 we may be confused as to why Ezekiel starts speaking to the mountains. Perhaps we are justified in thinking that he has lost his marbles, or maybe he has just hasn't had his morning coffee as yet. However, it is not as weird as we may think. Here is why...

...The mountains around Jerusalem were known to be places of pagan worship. Many a god was represented by an image and then placed in a shrine somewhere on the mountains. So, when Ezekiel is instructed to turn towards the mountains and prophesy, he is actually speaking to ALL the other gods and graven images. See if it now makes sense to you:

The word of the Lord came to me: ² “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel; prophesy against them ³ and say: ‘You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign Lord. This is what the Sovereign Lord says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places.

One of my favourite Psalms is 121 and this song of David paints a similar picture to the one in Ezekiel 6. If you get a chance read it here.

So the message for us this Lenten period could be something like this:

i. Have we turned to other "things" for our source of help and strength?
ii. How long will it take before we realise that God doesn't enjoy his children being "unfaithful"?
iii. What will it take for us to turn back to Christ?

Living in Grace
D3LM3 

Insights from Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard, who lived in the twelfth century, used to often to say to the monks in his care:

"However early they might wake and rise for prayer in their chapel on a cold mid-winter morning or even in the dead of night, they would always find God awake before them, waiting for them-nay, it was he who had awakened them to seek his face."

As I got up before sunrise this morning to go for my run, I thought about this quote. God had not been sleeping while I was asleep, but rather he was already awake and present with me long before I had fully opened my eyes. David spoke about this in Psalm 121:3-5

 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

May the knowledge of God's constant 'alertness'  fill you with hope and peace today.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. - don't forget that the 6th March 2019 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of our 40 days of preparation for Easter. Lent is a special time to draw near to Christ.

Favourite Psalm

Most Christians have a favourite Psalm. Come to think of it, many non-church goers also have a favourite Psalm - usually it's Psalm 23, but we can all relate to it's words - their power goes beyond the walls of the Church.

I am no different - I also have a few favourites. In no particular order, here are a few of them:

Psalm 46
Psalm 91
Psalm 8
Psalm 139
Psalm 40
Psalm 103

I will be sharing from Psalm 121 tomorrow at a memorial service - it speaks volumes into our grief and struggles. Here is a version of it from the Living Bible - I love it!

Shall I look to the mountain gods for help? ² No! My help is from Jehovah who made the mountains! And the heavens too! ^3-4 He will never let me stumble, slip, or fall. For he is always watching, never sleeping. ⁵ Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender.⁶ He protects you day and night. ⁷ He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. ⁸ He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you.

Be blessed and PLEASE send me a message telling me your favourite Psalm.

Living in Grace
D3LM3