A lesson in faith

"Faith isn't about having everything figured out ahead of time; faith is about following the quiet voice of God without having everything figured out ahead of time." - Rachel Held Evans

In our season of prayer and listening, let us tune our ears to the voice of Jesus. As we listen to his voice, so we can take the next step in faith. 

"The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
    the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
    Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
    with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
    the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
    and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” - Psalm 29:3-9

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. - "No step taken in faith is wasted, not by a God who makes all things new." - Rachel Held Evans 

Blessed with peace

^“The Lord gives strength to his people;
  the Lord blesses his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11

In reflecting on today’s reading John Stott writes some insightful words: “God, whose voice is heard in the thunder, can also pacify the storm, making Himself known in the still small voice as well as in the earthquake. He is thus able to give to His people not only strength but peace.”

For millions of people struggling to make ends meet in this crazy world of ours, if you offered them strength and peace, they would take them both with open hands. Some would even be willing to pay exorbitant prices for the blessing of peace and strength. 

The irony is that Jesus Christ offers us both of these gifts for free – through trusting in God’s grace, we get to benefit from His perpetual peace and strength. Jesus said: 

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27).

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Bravo God

^"Bravo, God, bravo!
    Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
    in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention!
    Dress your best to honor him!

³ God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters..." - Psalm 29:1-3

I have often managed to see the fingerprints of God in Creation. The fruit of his handiwork is everywhere - we just need the eyes to see his work. It is little wonder that we can stop and applaud what God has done:

Bravo God, Bravo.

Encore - do it again Lord.

As you reflect on the works of Christ over 2018, may you stop and give him credit for some of the amazing gifts he has given to us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Lord gives strength

^"The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace." - Psalm 29:10-11

I find this verse very reassuring today. It is our Lord who gives us strength on a daily basis. God grants strength to face the challenges of the day and to  remain on the right track. Let us resolve to rely on God's strength today and not on our own.

Helen Keller once remarked: 

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/strength

And of course, through it all, the Psalmist reminds us that God blesses us with his PEACE.

Living in Grace

D3LM3