When trying too hard doesn't get the desired result

There is an old saying that states: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again" (William Edward Hickson). 

While this may be appropriate in certain fields, it is not the correct approach in all matters. Take for example, the Israelites. See what Paul writes about their efforts to try and try again.

"But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.  Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.  God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said,

“I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.” - Romans 9:31-34

Thought: Lent should remind us that we are saved through the grace of Christ, not through our merits. 

Living in Grace

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Dealing with Disappointment

Dealing with Disappointment!

How do we deal with one of life's guarantees? Having to experience disappointment is the one thing that we will all go through in life.  It is not easy, but we will all need to embrace it at some point in our lives. 

This last weekend, my son and I got to experience this firsthand. We had just disembarked from the train, when we heard that the Cape Town Marathon had been cancelled. Initially all of the runners thought it was some kind of hoax, but as we walked towards the start line, we realised it was true. We could not believe it. The disappointment in the air was palpable, and very soon the adrenaline seeped out of our bodies. The race was done, even before we started.

So, how do we all deal with disappointment? Eliza Tabor once wrote:

“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.”

Well, I trust that this will be true in some way. However, the Bible writers add something else to the mix.

Romans 5:4 - "And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

1 Samuel 15:11 - Samuel was angry when he heard this. He prayed his anger and disappointment all through the night. (The Message)

I like this attitude - praying our disappointment. If anyone knows the impact of disappointment it is God. We can take all of our 'deferred hopes' to him and trust that he will revive our spirits.

Living in Grace

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Do no harm!

In reflecting on John Wesley's Rule of Life, we note his 3 major calls: "Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with Jesus." 

Tackling the first of these, what would this mean for us, on a daily basis? 

'Do no harm!'

The bible has a lot to say on this matter, and so I leave you with these texts and ask us all to make our own reflections on how we can live this out.

“By doing no harm; by avoiding evil of every kind.” – John Wesley

^“When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them.” – Luke 9:54

·    Romans 13:10 - Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law.

1 Corinthians 11:17 - In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.

·     Revelation 7:3 - “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Having faith doesn't mean having no difficulties

"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone." - Pope Francis

While the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader, it is fitting to dwell on some of the wisdom from the late Pope Francis. His life was lived in obedience to Christ and although he was not perfect, he modelled for Christians the tricky dilemma of 'faith in action.' It is easy to speak about God and the things of faith, but to live them out sincerely is the true test of our obedience.

"The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love."

Romans 4:20 - "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."

Living in Grace

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Remain brave and strong

I have enjoyed reading some of the thoughts of Hildegard of Bingen lately. She lived in the 11th century and was a woman of very deep faith. Hildegard spoke from her own circumstances and was convinced of God's presence with us at all times. These words struck me today:

"Even in a world that's being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong." 

Her words echo the words of Paul, when he wrote to the church in Rome to encourage them to hold onto the promises of God.

"Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." - Romans 4: 20-21

May we remain brave and strong, as we hold onto the promises of Jesus.

Living in Grace

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"Help us always" - A prayer for this time!

"Help us always,

To praise rather than criticize;
To sympathize rather than condemn;
To encourage rather than to discourage;
To build up rather than to destroy;
To think of people at their best rather than at their worst." - William Barclay

Romans 12:12-13 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

May you have a bless day,

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

A dog called Arthur

I have had a few people ask me to re-share the story of the dog called Arthur. I used his story in an illustration during Holy Week. If you would like to listen to the sermon in which it was used, then you can also click on this link.

In the 2014 Adventure Racing series in Ecuador – the Swedish team were led by MikaelLindnord. They came across a shaggy, tired, ugly and hungry dog and Mikael tossed him a piece of a meatball. That gesture changed the dog, nicknamed Arthur, forever. The little dog appreciated the food from Mikael so much that he decided to follow Mikael’s team over the next 10 days of racing. This included trekking through the mountains, kayaking down the Amazon and a whole lot of other hectic events – all totally about 700 km’s of adventure racing. The race organizers were not so chuffed about the scenario, but Arthur raced with the team until the end.

The best was still to come – When they finished the race, Mikael adopted Arthur as his own pet and had him shipped home to Sweden. One man had a heart for a lost, shaggy and ugly animal and offer it grace and salvation. 

This sounds a lot like the story of the Gospel to me.

œ "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

I was lost and stray, but God gave me hope in the form of his Son Jesus. He loved me warts and all and I can tell what, I am prepared to follow him wherever it may take me.

Living in Grace

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True strength

“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” - Unknown 

What do you consider to be a representation of 'true strength?'

Exodus 15:13 - In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Romans 4:20 - Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.

Prayer focus: May you be strengthened in all that you may face today. 

Living in Grace

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If God is for you ....

"A Young William Wilberforce was discouraged one night in the early 1790s after another defeat in his 10-year battle against the slave trade in England. Tired and frustrated, he opened his Bible and began to leaf through it. A small piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. 

It was a letter written by John Wesley shortly before his death. Wilberforce read it again: 

"Unless the divine power has raised you up... I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that (abominable practice of slavery), which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. 

Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. 

But if God be for you, who can be against you? 

Are all of them together stronger than God? 

Oh, be not weary of well-doing. 

Go on in the name of God, and in the power of His might." - Daily Bread, June 16, 1989.

I have deliberately made this quote appear over a number of lines, as I think that each sentence is filled with power and promise. Is there perhaps a word that stands out for you today. Hold onto that for your 'food' for the day.

Romans 8:31 - What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Living in Grace

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Patience and Encouragement

My apologies for not writing over the last few days, but life has been very hectic. We had a blessed time sharing at the Namaqualand Mission last weekend, and we were privileged to see God working in amazing ways. Immediately after this fantastic weekend, I packed up and headed up to Gauteng where I have been attending the Superintendent's training course at Emseni. Our days have been filled with lectures, sessions and training, so time to write has been very limited.

Here is a reading which has been brought to my attention this week. I offer it to you as a word of encouragement.

^"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 15:5-6

God bless and I hope to write again soon.

Living in Grace

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Money is like sea water

The Roman's had a proverb that went like this: "Money is like sea water - the more you drink it, the thirstier you become." 

In our generation we see this proverb coming to life, although I think this has been true of all generations. Greed is at the heart of many public ills and is certainly prevalent in most governments. It is ironic that the more we pursue "greed" the thirstier we become.“

"Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” – Erich Fromm

I believe that if we had the privilege of hearing Jesus preach in our modern churches he would use the same words he used in the first century: 

"Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” - Luke 12:15

Living in Grace

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Being prayed for

There is something special about knowing that people are praying for you. It gives you a sense of hope and support. However, how does it make you feel when you consider that Jesus prays for us? Read these words from John 17:

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message." - John 17: 20

Romans 8:27 - And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Whatever you are facing today, may you be encouraged that the Lord is praying for you. God will grant you His strength. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Acts of kindness never die

"Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return." - Jonathan Sacks

I have observed 2 things recently: 

1. Our world lacks a lot of kindness. Sure, there are some people who have the gift of pushing through the negativity, but we could all do with more kindness around us. 

2. Kindness stirs a response in us - it usually makes us want to also show kindness to others.

Romans 2:3-4 (The Message) - God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.

Colossians 3:12 - So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.

What is your response to this quote? 

Please drop me a line if you get a moment - I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories of kindness. 

Living in Grace

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The Root

"... consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you." - Romans 11:18

This verse reminded me of a profound truth. 

Christ is meant to be the one who keeps us rooted to the Father and to our faith. We are not the one who supports God - rather, it is God who supports us.

Let us stop trying to support the "root" and rather receive our strength and support from the Living God.

Living in Grace

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Accountability to God

"My greatest thought is my accountability to God.” - Daniel Webster.

For many Christians, this is what guides our decisions and the lives we choose to live. It is not meant to be something that drives us into a state of fear, but rather the acknowledgement that all our choices will need to be justified before God.

In my opinion, what happens when we don't believe in an Eternal moment of accountability, is what is happening in Russia/Ukraine right now. If people don't have a healthy respect for God, (in Solomon's words, the 'fear of the Lord'), they will abuse and destroy all in their path. 

Romans 14:10 - For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

Sadly, it seems that we have not learnt anything from history. Political leaders are deceived that they are demi-gods and millions are affected by their delusions. 

Living in Grace

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Glue or Solvent?

“Fear is the glue that keeps you stuck.

Faith is the solvent that sets you free.” - Shannon L. Alder

John 8:36 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Romans 8:2 - "...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

I think it is clear which one the Bible is pointing us to! It is now up to us whether we want to choose to be 'glue' or 'solvent.'

Living in Grace

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Unwavering

“Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20-21

There is so much great content in this passage and it is well worth chewing on. 

How many of us wish that we didn't waver in our faith or that we could be 'fully persuaded' in the power of God? Most of us I think.  I don't believe it's due to lack of wanting to experience these aspects of our faith, but rather that many of us feel inferior and unworthy of God's mercy.

So, what would it take for us to become more convinced of God's promises and then to stand on these WORDS as our foundation?

How can God strengthen us in our faith at the moment, so that we can give glory to God?

"There have been so many people who have said to me, 'You can't do that,' but I've had an innate belief that they were wrong. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach." - Halle Berry

Living in Grace

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Like dynamite

Dynamite was invented in the 1860's by Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel. We are all aware of it's destructive qualities, but when used under careful supervision, it has the power to move massive mountains of rock and soil. 

I am not sure if you have ever considered the power of God's Spirit to be like that of dynamite? When the Spirit of God moves in our lives, it has the dynamic power to transform stubborn hearts into vessels used for the Kingdom of God. It is this same Holy Spirit that is at work in our lives, if we surrender to the supervision of Jesus Christ. 

I love this short poem by Thomas Merton, who describes what can happen Christ sets us free.

"Make ready for my Christ,
whose smile,
like lightning,
sets free the song of everlasting glory
that now sleeps in your paper flesh like dynamite."

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven.

Living in Grace

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What does God intend?

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20

This verse popped up again this last week and it always leaves me feeling hopeful. These words come at the end of Joseph's long journey through pain, slavery, prison and finally vindication. Joseph has spiritually reached a place where he is able to see God's bigger guiding hand at work in his life. I am not sure he displayed as much faith and trust in God's purposes, when he was stuck in the dark pit, or the prison cell, but to his credit Joseph kept believing in the miracles of God.

What about us? Have we learnt over the years to trust in the hand of God or do we still try and wrestle with God's ways?

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3