What a remarkable promise!

In one of my favourite passages from the book of Isaiah, we come across a remarkable promise. Isaiah tells God's people that they will be renewed by the Spirit of the Lord. This promise is not just for that generation of believers, but for all of us.

28 "Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31

Thought: The proviso is that we choose to trust in the Lord, and then we will find new strength. This is the moment where we choose to surrender to the power of God, and resist relying on our own efforts.

Living in Grace

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Trinity Sunday

On this Sunday, which we mark as Trinity Sunday in the Christian tradition, we remember the mystery of the Triune God. We use all kinds of simple illustrations to try and understand the complexity of God; however, the words of Paul help us get a clearer picture of the Trinity. In his final greeting to the church in Corinth, he says:

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." - 2 Corinthians 13:14

If you are struggling to understand the relationship of the Trinity, start with these 3 points:

1. God our Father is LOVE
2. Jesus, the son, reveals God's GRACE to us all
3. The Spirit sustains us, guides us and fills us with the presence of God

May you have a blessed day.

Living in Grace
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P.S. My apologies for having been a little scarce lately, but I have been away for the week attending our Annual Church Synod. There has not been any time to write - I plan to make up for it this next week :) 

We can't contain the Spirit

"Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you." - Corrie Ten Boom

This quote reminds me so much of our need of the Holy Spirit. Many of us try to be self-sufficient in all areas of our lives, including our faith. However, this is not what God planned for us. The gift of the Holy Spirit is so that we may do the work of God, empowered by God. 

Romans 5:3-5 - There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Living in Grace

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Don't miss the point!

"A faith that fails to connect and apply Christianity to the practical everyday problems of the average person has missed the point.” - Catherine Marshall

There are so many glorious promises that stem from the Resurrection and we need to hold onto all of these. However, I do agree with Catherine Marshall on one of the main gifts of knowing that Christ is alive. 

The gift of the Resurrection opens the doors for the power of the Holy Spirit to be amongst us. When we come to live in the power of the Spirit, we are given all that we need for daily life. Our faith is alive, because Jesus is Alive.

Thought: Is the Resurrection still only an event that we look back on with good memories, or is it a promise of God's Presence with us always, as the greatest enemy has been defeated?

John 11:25-26 - "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

Living in Grace

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erdyproblems of the average man has missed the point.

Catherine Marshall

Send your Spirit

"Decayed Churches can most certainly be revived by the preaching of the Word, accompanied by the coming of the heavenly ‘breath’ from the four winds. O Lord, send us such revivals now, for many of thy Churches need them.” - Charles Spurgeon

These are the words that Spurgeon wrote after reflecting on Ezekiel 37. I would agree with him but also add that it is not just churches who need to be revived, but rather the people that make up the churches. It is people who make up the body of Christ, and when we allow God's breath (Spirit) to change us, then we will start to see changes all around us.

"Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army." - v.9-10

Living in Grace

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The Iron Spine

"I wish I had a gentle mind, and a spine made up of iron." - Saint Vincent 

There is something intriguing in wishing for a spine made of iron. The meaning is clear - St. Vincent realised that he needed to have a strong backbone, to get through the many tough things in life. In his mind, a spine of Iron would help him to get through those very difficult moments. 

Thankfully, we can lean on the strength of Christ to help us through any difficulties we may face. We don't necessarily need the iron spine when we have the Spirit of God.

1 Samuel 30:6 - But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Living in Grace

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We don't know how to sit still

Blaise Pascal once remarked that 'most of our human problems come because we don't know how to sit still in our room for an hour.'

This is an interesting take on finding time to be silent before the Lord. Is it true that many of our troubles could stem from our desire to 'fix things' in our own way or time? 

What do you think of this? How often have we run ahead of God, without taking time to know his plan or purpose?

I think it is appropriate to reflect on this in light of the disciple's obedience in Acts 1:8. Jesus told them to 'wait for the gift', which was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We know that they did actually wait, and when the Spirit came it changed everything.

Exercise: Can you find 5 minutes to sit in silence? How would this feed your soul? 

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The strength to live differently

Reflecting on Pentecost this past weekend, I was reminded of how we need the Spirit in order to live differently. What Jesus has called us to do, is not something that we can hope to achieve in our human strength or wisdom. It is extremely different and radical. 

If it were something that I could do with my own abilities I would be tempted to claim all the glory, but being a Christ-follower requires a supernatural element, that can only come from the Spirit.

Just take a look at the Beatitudes again and you will see what I mean (Matthew 5:3-10):

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If you would like to listen to our Pentecost message, please click onto the link and enjoy. 

Living in Grace

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A wonderful promise

Jesus promised his followers that he would not leave them as orphans (John 14:18), which may have seemed strange for them at the time. At this point in their discipleship journey they probably had very little idea of what was to come - they didn't yet understand the pain and heartache that lay in the future. However, I am sure that these words from Jesus (v.18) came back to them, as they grieved his death.

It is interesting that the Greek word 'orphanos' is used in this instance, which is easy for us to see how we come up with the English word 'orphan.' Most scholars believe that what Jesus was saying was deeper than, "I won't leave you without a Father," but that it could also mean, "I won't leave you without a teacher."

We should remember that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is that He is our teacher and He helps us to understand the words of Scripture. I love the fact that the person of the Holy Spirit is so multi-faceted, that He is hard to confine to a single definition.

Thought: In what way have you experienced the Spirit as a Father or as a teacher? 

Living in Grace

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Don't fall into the trap

Many of us fall into the trap of trying to do things in our own strength. As followers of Jesus, we are equally tempted to do the same. Very slowly our pilgrimage of faith becomes an exercise in human achievement and effort, and we forget the power of God's Spirit. 

"Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you." - Corrie Ten Boom

Zechariah 4:6 - It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Response: Take a moment to ask God to grant you his strength for the tasks that lie ahead. 

Living in Grace

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A Spiritual Stent

A Stent is a wire-mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked artery with the hope of assisting blood flow. This procedure is especially important for the arteries around the heart, and it can be a life-saving procedure. While this makes sense for physical blockages in our arteries, what can we do when our 'spiritual hearts' are in danger and there seem to blockages in our spiritual lives? 

Well, William Temple has this to say: “To worship is to open the heart to the love of God.”

So, he is suggesting that when we gather for worship, we intentionally open our hearts to the work of God's Spirit. This becomes a stent for the blockages in our hearts. What do you make of that?

Jude 1:2 (Message) - Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!

Living in grace

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Empty Vessel

Martin Luther once wrote a moving prayer which is filled with honesty and vulnerability. I am sure that his words will resonate with many of us. It is entitled Empty Vessel.

“Behold, Lord, An empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in faith; Strengthen thou me. I am cold in love;
Warm me and make me fervent That my love may go out to my neighbor.
I do not have a strong and firm faith; At times I doubt and am unable to trust thee altogether.
O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in thee.
In thee I have sealed the treasures of all I have. I am poor;
Thou art rich and didst come to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner;
Thou art upright. With me there is an abundance of sin;
In thee is the fullness of righteousness….. Amen.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-8 - "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair..."

Action: If you find Martin Luther's prayers helpful, please pass onto others.

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A prayer for the start of a new week

As you begin the new week, I wanted to offer you a beautiful prayer to help you in your plans and preparations. May it be a blessing to you.

“O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,

and mercifully kindle in me the fire of Your Holy Spirit.

Take away from me the heart of stone,

and give me a heart of flesh,

a heart to love and adore You,

a heart to delight in You,

to follow and to enjoy You,

for Christ’s sake.” - St Ambrose of Milan, 337-397 AD

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 11:19

Living in grace

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The riddle of the Universe

The Universe is a complex system that we only know a small fraction of. However, as Christians, we believe that when we come to know the Author of Life, we get closer to understanding the heartbeat of this universe. 

Michael Green reflects on how the Holy Spirit changed the lives of the disciples so much, that it was as if they had discovered the 'riddle of the universe' and they were prepared to live and die for it. 

“Here were men and women of every rank and station in life, of every country in the known world, so convinced that they had discovered the riddle of the universe, so sure of the one true God whom they had come to know, that nothing must stand in the way of their passing on this good news to others….”

Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Thought: Are you still looking for the answers to Life? Why not place your trust in the Author of all Life?

Living in Grace

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After Aldersgate

John Wesley's heart-warming experience in Aldersgate (24 May 1738) is well documented. However, what is not well known is it that although John's encounter with God gave him deep assurance of his salvation, he was not exempt from further trials. This is important for all Christians to know and understanding. Any encounter with God will deepen our faith and our experience of Jesus, but we will continue to live in a broken world. It is how we are now equipped and prepared for the new challenges that makes all the difference. 

Listen to how John Wesley describes his new attitude to challenges: 

"After my return home, I was much buffeted with temptations; but cried out, and they fled away. They returned again and again. I as often lifted up my eyes, and he sent me help from his holy place. And herein I found the difference between this and my former state chiefly consisted. I was striving, yea, fighting with all my might under the law, as well as under grace; but then I was sometimes, if not often, conquered: now I am always a conqueror." - John Wesley

Before Aldersgate, Mr. Wesley felt that he was striving and fighting in his own strength. After his Aldersgate experience, he allowed God to do the fighting.

Romans 8:37 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Thoughts: What can John's story teach us about our own journey of faith?

Living in Grace

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Now unto Him

Benedictions have become an integral part of many churches over the centuries. Sadly, sometimes we forget that these 'last words' or 'parting blessings' are not just a nice way to end the time of worship, but also a careful reminder of the incredible power of God. It is almost as if we need a final reminder, before we head out into the world, that God is bigger than we realize, and that the Holy Spirit will help us more than we hoped.

Take this passage for example, see what it tells us.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

Thought: The next time you sing (or say) a Benediction, think about the words you are speaking over life. 

Living in Grace

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Pentecost - what a gift!

On this day of Pentecost, it is a moment to thank God for his indescribable gift of the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Paracletos (comforter, advocate, counsellor) was for the equipping and blessing of the believers. This gift was to give us the dynamic power we needed to share the Good News with a world longing for Hope and Love. 

I don't believe that anything has changed, in terms of our reliance of the Spirit, and God's call for us to share the Gospel. It is my prayer that we could be filled with God's Spirit, in order to move into our troubled world with a clear message of grace.

“That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight.” – Acts 2:14 (The Message)

Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, Come! 

Living in Grace

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It is better for you

There are some people who promise much but deliver very little. And when we have been disappointed with broken promises before, it is very hard to try and trust in any future promises. I was thinking about this when Jesus turned to his disciples and said:

"But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you." - John 16:7

It is not that Jesus had broken any promises to his disciples, but they would have been wary of what he was implying. How could it be better for them, if Jesus was no longer going to be present with them? They couldn't imagine what he was meaning - it made no sense! They had never experienced anything like this before, so it is little wonder that they struggled to see the good news in Jesus' promise.

However, as time passed and events unfolded, the disciples came to understand that Jesus was correct. It was better for them that he returned to the Father and they were gifted with the Holy Spirit. 

Sometimes, we have to hang on in faith, until the reality of the PROMISE is fulfilled.

Thought: Are there any promises in the Scriptures that you struggle to understand or even believe? What makes them hard to consider?

If you are interested in listening to my recent sermon on this topic, please click onto this link. 

Living in Grace

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Don't let yourself be disturbed!

 

Have you felt yourself becoming restless and disturbed lately? It could be down to a lot of different reasons, but we can easily become anxious and worried about many things. Life is complex and we are facing may tough situations all around us. 

When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, he encouraged them not to be afraid. He says to them in John 14:1 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and also trust in me."

In the Complete Jewish Bible, the verse reads like this: "Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in me." I like the variation in this translation because it really speaks to me. 

I pray that whatever you may be facing at the moment, that you would Trust in Jesus, and allow God's Spirit to keep your heart from becoming too anxious and disturbed.

Living in Grace

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Time of renewal

"The key to continual and deeper spiritual renewal and revival is the continual re-discovery of the gospel." - Timothy Keller

We are accustomed to noticing the change in seasons and sometimes it is not too hard to recognize what is happening in nature. Green leaves beginning stretching out on the end of naked trees; shoots of new life suddenly appear on barren fields; warm weather or spring rain washes away the memories of cold winters. Our world is filled with reminders of change.

But, what about our Spiritual renewal? 

Do we need to wait for something drastic to happen before we change our lives, or can we faithfully tune into the work of the Spirit and allow God to bring refreshing into our weary bones? It is my prayer that I would be more open to the work of God's spirit as He moves in our midst. 

Titus 3:5 - "...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

May the change in seasons bring you the joy of the Spirit, the Hope of Christ and the peace of God.

Living in Grace

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