God waits for us

Have you ever considered the notion of God waiting for us? We often refer to the fact that we are the ones who seem to do a lot of waiting for God, especially when it comes to the answering of our prayers. However, today's quote got me thinking about God's remarkable patience and grace with each of us. See what you feel.

"God waits to dwell in us and to fill us with yet more grace, more love, more wholeness and with his own fullness. But the God of the Bible never bulldozes his way into a person's life. He loves us enough to wait until, out of our own free will, we invite him to come to us." - Joyce Huggett

Perhaps it may make even more sense, when you read it in light of 1 Timothy 1:16 - "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."

Let me know what you are thinking.

Living in Grace

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Don't be like Simon

We played a game as children called "Simon says." Do you remember that? Whatever Simon (the person who was the leader) said, you all had to act out and the last person to follow was eliminated from that round. 

In Acts 8 we meet another Simon (Simon Magus) - also known as Simon the Magician. Even though he had come to faith in Jesus, he tried to buy the Holy Spirit from the disciples. He was thoroughly rebuked for his attitude and Simon drifted into the background. 

"Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart." (Acts 8:20-22)

Simon's major error was believing that the things of God can be bought with human resources. And this is never true. God can't be bought and neither can the workings of the Spirit. So, when I suggest that we should not act like Simon, I am implying that we ought to wary of using God for our own gain. Sadly there are many people who go down this path, but it is a very dangerous road to take.

• God grants his spirit to those who ask and who are willing to obey.
• God gives us his salvation if we are humble enough to admit our sin and need of him.
• God pours out his mercy on all who are broken-hearted.

Living in Grace

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What is Epiphany and how does it change my life?

We have the word before, but what does it really mean? Epiphany!

Epiphany is the English form of word that means 'manifestation' in Greek. It is directly related to the occasion where Jesus is presented to the Magi and they offer him their gifts. It symbolises that the message of the Good News is 'manifest' or 'offered' to the Gentiles for the very first time (Matthew 2) and so this becomes a historic moment. If you would like to read a good source on the background to Epiphany you can click here. 

In our Church tradition Epiphany is also linked with the Baptism of Jesus, which is remembered at this time of the year. God's love and delight in his son are clearly made manifest in the proclamation from the heavens which says, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:23) 

So, how does this change my life and should I even bother remembering this feast day? The answer to this question is really up to you, but I find it helpful to mark this day as a day of Gratitude. As a non-Jewish person I am delighted that God's gift of salvation is also offered to me. I am overwhelmed that God delights in us and that God made a way for us to know Him. Of course, I don't need to wait for the 6th January to remember this glorious gift, but it does make sense to mark this occasion just after the birth of Jesus.

What are your thoughts on this? What gifts can we bring to Jesus. 

Luke 2:32 - "...a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Acts 11:18 - “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Living in Grace

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Help is on the way

 

It is a little easier to hold out in difficult circumstances when one knows that help is on the way. Advent is that time of the year when we wait with great anticipation for the arrival of the Messiah. Although Jesus has already come, marking time during Advent is a helpful way to remember that HELP has been sent to us already. 

I came across a lovely song from Toby Mac, that uses these words to speak hope into our lives. The name of the song is 'Help is on the way."

"It may be midnight or mid-day
He's never early, never late
He will stand by what He claimed
I lived enough life to say...

I heard your heart, I see your pain
Out in the dark, out in the rain
Feels so alone, feels so afraid
I heard you pray in Jesus' name

Help is on the way
Roundin' the corner
Help is on the way
Comin' for ya
Help is on the way
Yea-ee-ayy
I lived enough life to say...
Help is on the way."

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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One

Our main focus during Lent will be the Cross and the empty tomb, but we would be wise to also remember the begining of the story. Matthew records it like this:

"Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

In the Amplied version it puts it like this: "She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The Lord is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.”

No matter what translation you read it in, it still points to the marvellous gift that Jesus is our Salvation. This Saving Grace comes to us through the pain and suffering of a Roman cross, but it opens up the pathway to our Redemption.

In what way has Jesus become your Salvation?
 
Living in Grace
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Gog and Magog - Ezekiel 38

The names Gog and Magog seem so foreign to us in the 21st century, but they are rich in Biblical history and symbolism. These interesting names even appear alongside Alexander the Great in a legend about his power and fame. We first come across the name Magog in the book of Genesis, but then again in Ezekiel 38 and later on in Revelation 20. Here is a portion of the scripture from Ezekiel:

¹⁴ “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? ¹⁵ You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. ¹⁶ You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

What I found interesting about this vision is that God seems to use the people of Magog, under the leadership of Gog, to wage war against the people of Israel. The Lord allows them to cover Israel, like a cloud covers the land, and in doing so, bring people's attention back to God. It seems a little strange for us, but God uses an enemy nation to bring the Israelites back to himself.

In our reflections during Holy Week we are also reminded of God's unique plan of salvation. It may not make sense to non-believers, why the Lord would allow his only son to die for the sake of others, but it certainly gets our attention. If were not for this 'strange' plan, we would still be lost in our sins and in our brokenness.

Living in Grace
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Be our strength

I stumbled upon this scripture this morning. I found it helpful and would like to share it with you all. I am grateful for the small ways in which God speaks to us. May it offer you some consolation and encouragement.

Isaiah 33:2 - Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

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

Prayer: God, please give me the strength I need for today and the Hope that will see me through until tomorrow.

 

Living in Grace

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Wise words from Catherine Booth

"Cast off all bonds of prejudice and custom, and let the love of Christ, which is in you, have free course to run out in all conceivable schemes and methods of labour for the souls of men."

- Catherine Booth

There is so much wisdom to think about in this one single sentence.

a. I am challenged to 'cast off' my prejudice...

b. To let the love of Christ run through my veins ...

c. To allow God' spirit to overflow into all areas of my life ...

d. To see every moment as a chance to reflect God's love to others ...

e. So that all people would have a chance to encounter the love of Jesus.

What comes to your mind as you read these words from Catherine Booth?

What is remarkable about Catherine is that these were never just words she spoken as a "nice quote", but she lived them out for the sake of Jesus.

Living in Grace

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My faulty Rep

In following on from my last post about Reputation vs Identity, I wanted to add a few things. Isn't it funny how we spend so much time and energy trying to defend, shine up or create our Reputation, and then so little time on discovering WHO WE ARE in the eyes of God.

When we stand before God one day, God is not going to ask our friends or peers to give a glowing report on our Reputation, but rather to ask "Do you know my Son?" God already knows that I have a faulty reputation, because God knows who I am in the darkest shadows on my life. It is because of my sin, that Jesus came to offer me a new identity.

So, here is a challenge for you this Lent period. Try and match your time spent on the internet, with time spent in the Word, prayer or in worship. Allow your identity in Jesus to shape your Reputation, instead of trying to win favour with a worldly Rep.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 - "Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins."

Living in Grace
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Three things are needed

“Three things are necessary for the salvation of man:
 to know what he ought to believe; 
to know what he ought to desire;
and to know what he ought to do.” - Thomas Aquinas

So, how are you going on these 3 things?
Do you know what you should be believing?
Do you know what you should be desiring?
Do you know what you need to do?

Psalm 33:20-22 - We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own his holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got— that’s what we’re depending on.

Living in Grace
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One call away

Okay, I admit that my mind is a strange place at times! When I heard this song on the radio the other day, I immediately thought it would make a great message for a blog. The song is - "One call away" by Charlie Puth. It has no religious connection at all, but I love these lyrics:

"I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away." - Charlie Puth


Isn't this the truth of the Gospel?
Jesus is simply one call away.
All it takes is for us to cry out to him and he will answer our hearts cry.
So the next time you are tempted to try and 'go it alone', why don't you call out to your loving Saviour.


Jesus is only one call away.

Galatians 4:6 - "And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”


Living in Grace
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Waiting...

Hebrews 6:15 - "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised."

I often find that Easter Saturday is a day of waiting. It is almost like a lull in the middle of a busy week. It could be that we have so many services in the week that the adrenaline has been flowing for 6 days and then suddenly one has a moment to pause. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this day, but it just seems slower than all the other days in Holy Week.

But, perhaps that is the gift of Easter Saturday. It causes us to reflect and wait for the JOY of the Resurrection. It brings back childhood memories of waiting for Christmas or your birthday. You hope that you will receive a gift, but you are too excited to allow doubt to cloud your hopes.

Sometimes we need to patiently wait for the good things that come next. We mustn't wish away the moments of waiting - they build expectancy and trust in our spiritual lives. In time we will receive what we have been promised. Good things are worth waiting for....

"The Scriptures contain many stories of people who waited years or even decades before the Lord's promises came to pass. What modern believers can learn from the patience of biblical saints like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Paul is that waiting upon the Lord has eternal rewards." -Charles Stanley 

"Waiting is a period of learning. The longer we wait, the more we hear about him for whom we are waiting." -Henri Nouwen

Easter Saturday marks the eve of the Greatest Day in the History of the world - it is so worth waiting for...

Living in Grace
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Left to my own devices

If we were left to our own devices I wonder humanity would get up to? On a daily basis we notice what happens in our world, despite all of our laws, religions and social norms. It seems as if we are all drawn to sin - like a moth to a flame or a paper clip to a giant magnet.

However, God has given us a way out. He has given us his Son, Jesus and it is through His life and death that the power of sin has been defeated. So, we can now choose whether we want to be left to our own devices (and all it's trappings) or whether we want to have God's Spirit take control of our lives.

My own devices? ..... OR
Allowing God to take control?

It's our choice to make.... may we choose well!

Hebrews 12:1 - "....let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."

Mark 14:38 - "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’"

Living in Grace
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Please give me a Quote

When you want some work done around the house or at work, you usually ask someone to give you a quote. Once you receive the quotes you then decide if you can afford to go ahead with the work or not. It may seem like a good idea before hand, but the quote can make all the difference in the end. Can you imagine if it worked the same with Jesus.

ME: "Hey Jesus, I think you are great and I would like to follow you. But before I do, could you give me some idea of what I am in for (a quote)?"
JESUS: "Well, Delme it's quite simple really. It will cost you all you have."
ME: "Excuse me, Lord! Didn't quite hear you there - you seemed to be breaking up a little. Did you say it would cost me everything."
JESUS: "Yip!"
ME: "Like as in ALL?"
JESUS: "That's what I just said."
ME: "Mmmmh, well, is there no ways, you could give me a little discount? How about 50% off?"
JESUS: "I'd love to Delme, but it doesn't work that way. It's all or nothing."
ME: "Ok, Lord. Can I think about this for a while. I wasn't prepared to pay that much. Are you sure I can't get anything good for a fraction of the cost?"
JESUS: "Sorry, Delme. Following me will be tough, complex, tiring, exhilarating, adventurous, rewarding, a huge blessing, but it doesn't come for nothing."
ME: "Maybe I will come back later then. Really don't know why you don't want me to follow you even a tiny bit?"
JESUS: "Well, the reason it can't work like that is because when I died on the cross, I didn't just ask for 10% of your sins or even 50% of them. I took them all upon myself and it is that 100% that opens the door for our relationship. It was all or nothing for me and so that is the price for you too."
ME: "But Jesus that's being unfair. How will I survive if I give my all to you?"
JESUS: "You will be surprised!"
ME: "Meaning what?"
JESUS: "Once you give me all, I will know where your treasure lies and then I will give it all back to you. You can then look after it for me and in that way you will have way more than you ever dreamt you'd need."
ME: "Ok, Jesus. I don't get the logic, but give me some time to think it over..."

When it comes to following Jesus, we can't ask for a quote and then negotiate the price. Jesus said it like this:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:24-25

Worth thinking about...

Living in Grace

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By what power? - Lent 33

Who is going to deliver you from your time of trouble?
Who is able to bring you peace in the midst of your turmoil?
Are you strong enough to fend off the attacks of others and the world?

While you think about an appropriate answer to these questions, reflect on these words from Psalm 33

"No king is saved, by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its strength it cannot save." - v.16-17

This Easter period remember that all our human attempts at saving ourselves will prove fruitless. We can never save ourselves. But if you disagree with me, that's fine. Keep trying to prove yourself to others by trusting in your own strength, might, intellect and brilliance.

When you are tired of trying that, remember this:
Salvation is found in only one person - Jesus!

"The first step in a person's salvation is knowledge of their sin." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

"We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield." - v.20

Living in Grace
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One tough Question! - Lent 15

In the space of 5 verses, the Psalmist (David) challenges me to the core of my being. My whole spiritual life and conduct is impacted by David's answer to the tough question he poses in the beginning of Psalm 15.

This is the question: “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” – Psalm 15:1

His answer then precedes to list a number of qualities that God requires of us - these qualities are the one's required in order that we would be allowed to dwell in God's sanctuary.

·         Be blameless

·         Do what is righteous

·         Speak the truth

·         Don’t slander

·         Love your neighbour

·         Don’t lie

·         Turn from the vile

·         Honour those who fear God

·         Keep your promises (even when it hurts)

·         Lend money graciously

·         Don’t accept bribes

And if we get this small list right, then we will never be shaken! (15:5)

Wow! What troubles me is that I can’t put a big tick next to each one of these, all the time, so does this mean I can’t be in God’s presence? Well, if I don’t know Jesus, then the answer is ‘Yes’! I am not worthy to be in the presence of God. However, through the love and work of Jesus we gain access to the ‘holy of holies’ – It is his life that grants me access to the sanctuary of God.

Reflection: I am granted access into the presence of God by Jesus, not my good works. However, when I stand in the presence of Almighty God I should want to live out these qualities that David mentions in Psalm 15.

Living in Grace

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