Growth or decline?

In reflecting on Jeff Manion's book The Land Between, he delves into the Israelites struggle to see God's plan as they travelled out of slavery into the new land. Sometimes we also struggle to see God's will and plan in the painful journey's we go through and I think that this season of Covid-19 is no exception. The real challenge for me lies in what we make of this time of transition. As Manion says:

“Our response to God while in the Land Between is what will determine whether our journey through this desert will result in deep, positive growth or spiritual decline.” – Jeff Manion

When we look back over this time of intense trial and difficulty what kind of things will we see in our spiritual lives? Will we recognise Spiritual growth or will we have to acknowledge that our faith has taken a huge step backwards?

Whatever the outcome of this 'Land Between' for us, we should never forget that God's desire is always to bring about a hope and future for each one of us.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Living in Grace

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Going through the tough times

“We all want Canaan (the Promised Land) without going through the wilderness.” - Ravi Zacharias 

Walking through times of spiritual dryness and loneliness can actually be beneficial for us in the long run. Of course, none of us really want to experience these periods in our lives, because they make us feel so disorientated. However, if we are willing to trust in Jesus, then he will get us through the dry times and he will bring us through into the Promised Land – which I believe is a place of hope. 

Read these reminders of God's faitfulness.

Psalm 78:52 – “But he led his own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness.”

Psalm 136:16 – “Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.”

Living in Grace

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The REAL Questions

I came across this wonderful quote from Henri Nouwen today - it reflects on what the essential questions in life should be. If you like, they target the REAL questions we should be asking of ourselves, instead of the shallow questions we usually focus on, which are often: "What job do I have?" or "How much money do I have in my accounts?" or "what car do you drive?"

Try these questions as a devotion for today?

"Did I offer peace today?
Did I bring a smile to someone's face?
Did I say words of healing?
Did I let go of my anger and resentment?
Did I forgive?
Did I love?
These are the real questions." - Henri Nouwen

Matthew 21:24 - Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

Living in Grace
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God speaks in the silence

We had the wonderful privilege of sharing in a Spiritual Retreat today. A lot of the time was spent in reflection, silence and prayer, as well as some great food and company. The thing that always amazes me about having these moments away from the chaos of life, is that God always speaks in the silence. It is not that God doesn't speak in the noise of our lives, but I feel that his voice is easily drowned out.

By simply blocking out a few hours in a day, we create the space for God to communicate with us, uninterrupted. There is nothing magical about it - it is purely allowing God the opportunity to share with us.

I guess it is the same as communicating with your spouse or a friend. Of course you can chat and communicate in the routine of life, but often these conversations happen at high speed and we don't always listen to what they are saying. Yet, go away for a day with your spouse/friend and you will discover that you can actually talk to each other.

Dallas Willard - "Hearing God cannot be a reliable and intelligible fact of life except when we see his speaking as one aspect of his presence with us, of his life in us. Only our communion with God provides the appropriate context for communications between us and him.”

Psalm 141:1-2 - "God, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears—it’s my voice you’re hearing! Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers."

You may not be able to take a whole morning out, but I encourage you to find some time to rest in the presence of God. You will be blessed.

Living in Grace
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Check up time - Lent 26

 
When it is time for our medical check up, we want to make sure that the doctor does a thorough check up and hopefully we get given a clear bill of health. David asks the Lord to give him a spiritual check up in Psalm 26.

"Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests.
Make sure I’m fit inside and out." - Psalm 26:2

David wants to make sure that he is fit for the work of the Lord and I admit that it is a brave prayer to pray. Would you be willing to pray that kind of prayer?

His ultimate reason for praying this prayer is because he wants to keep in step with God, all the way. David wants to keep sight of God's love and guidance.
 

"So I never lose sight of your love, but keep in step with you, never missing a beat." (v.3)

Are you keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus? Keep in step with Him and see how far He leads you.

May God bless you this week.

Living in Grace

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