10 Ideas to help us move towards simplicity

In reflecting on our need to "detach" from all the things that overwhelm us in todays' world, Richard Foster makes the following suggestions. Admittedly, these are from a number of years ago, but I feel they still strike a chord with me. Have a look at these and see if there is any one of them that could be helpful for you at the moment.

1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.

2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.

3. Develop a habit of giving things away.

4. Refuse to be swept up by gadgets.

5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.

6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation and nature.

7. Keep a sceptical attitude about “buy now pay later” deals.

8. Obey Jesus’ instruction about plain honest speech (Matthew 5:33-38)

9. Reject anything that hurts other people.

10. Shun anything that distracts you or keeps you from seeking the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

Luke 12: 29-31 - “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

I don't understand it all

As a Minister I am asked a lot of questions. Some of them I can answer, but there are many that I truly don't have a neat answer for. There is a freedom in being able to admit that I am unsure on some matters and I know that most people appreciate this honesty.

However, there are a few things in our faith experience, that we may not be able to express in clear words, but that we just KNOW deep in our stomach's. One of these for me, is the knowledge that God is our constant companion. In the words of the ancient hymn, Dora Greenwell writes:

"I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned;
I only know at his right hand
Stands one who is my Saviour."

Perhaps we could just rest in what we KNOW of Jesus today, instead of trying to figure out all the complexities of life? Just a thought! 

Mark 4:24 - Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Simple prayers

"Thank you, Lord, for the grace of your love,
for the grace of friendship,
and for the grace of beauty. Amen." - Henri Nouwen, The Road to Daybreak

Prayers don't need to be long-winded in order to be meaningful. Here is another example of a beautiful, but simple prayer!

Psalm 109:26 - Help me, Lord my God; save me according to your unfailing love.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

 

Keep it simple

^"Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment." - Luke 9:1-5

I love these words of Jesus - "Keep it Simple!" - Especially at this time of the year when everything seems to speed up and life is incredibly hectic. Jesus urges us not to load ourselves up with extra equipment (things) and to be content with what we have. 

Jesus then adds something interesting, he says that "we are the Equipment!" It reminds us that we are clay pots that contain the Spirit of God, so that we can be his instruments.

May the word of God speak to you today. May you be an instrument for the Lord.
Grace and peace.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Luke 9:1-5 (NLT) - One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.

It may just be as simple as that!

Life can be complicated!
Sometimes outside circumstances crop up that make life very hard. However sometimes we over complicate things. We can be our own worst enemy. Even if life is complicated we can find simple solutions to our issues.

William of Ockham once remarked:
"All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one." 

Luke 18:17 (MSG) - "Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”

James 5:12 - "All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”"

Take a decision today to try and do the 'simple stuff.' Don't sweat the big things - leave those in the hands of God. Let's do what we know we can and then allow God to assist us with the rest.

Living in Grace
D3LM3