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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Take my hand

 

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people
    and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
    to free captives from prison
    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." - Isaiah 42:6-7

These 2 verses give us another powerful image of God's willingness to care for us. To imagine that God takes your hand and guides you into his purpose for your life, is humbling and encouraging.

Thought: When someone initiates holding our hand, we can choose to withdraw our hand from this embrace, or we can grasp the hand in response. How do we respond to God taking hold of us?

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The Lord is our strength and shield

 

Thank you for encouragement and willingness to read my ramblings - I do appreciate you and it is your interaction that keeps me writing. Every now and then one reads a passage of Scripture that hits the mark, and you don't need any further commentary. Psalm 28 is one of those passages and I offer it to you today. May the Spirit of Jesus speak to your heart. 

"I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die.

Listen to my prayer for mercy
as I cry out to you for help,
as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

Do not drag me away with the wicked—
with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
while planning evil in their hearts.

Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
Give them a taste of what they have done to others.

They care nothing for what the Lord has done
or for what his hands have made.
So, he will tear them down,
and they will never be rebuilt!

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

The Lord gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.

Save your people!
Bless Israel, your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
and carry them in your arms forever."

Living in grace

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God's strength

"God’s strength behind you,

His concern for you,
His love within you and his arms beneath you
are more than sufficient for the job ahead of you.” - William Arthur Ward

"The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.
So, it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." - Lamentations 3:25-26

May you know the love and strength of Jesus in all that you do today.

Living in Grace

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Why do they wait for the thermals?

A question for today: Why do eagles wait for the thermals in order to soar and fly?

Answer: They have been taught from a young age to conserve their energy and to know that they are created to use the winds to their great advantage. They are not designed to flap their wings all the time.

"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind." - Isaiah 40:31 (The Message)

In the same way, I believe that God has designed us to rely on His Spirit, so that we may soar and live for his glory. Sadly, there are many times when I forget this and I flap my wings too much, trusting in my own perceived strength and less on God's gift to me.

Prayer thought: It is tempting to be 'busy' the whole time, believing that our work is for God's glory, but sometimes we need to WAIT for the right moment and the right thermal. Our waiting my seem frustrating, especially when we see others flying/flapping all around us, however if we want to reach Godly heights, we must wait for his Spirit.

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Strong right arm

If you have ever wondered if God is left or right-handed, then Psalm 118 is an ideal Psalm to give us an answer:

"The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!
The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph. 

The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!" - v.15-16

Of course, this is just a way of expressing the power of God, and God is probably ambidextrous in any case :) 

I just love the picture of God being there for us, not just as a protector, but also as a comforter. When you think of the 'strong right arm' of the Lord, what comes to your mind?

Psalm 89:13 - Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.

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Going from strength to strength

"They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." - Psalm 84:7

What would it mean for us to go from strength to strength? The implication is that we are moving from one success to another, like a sports team that is showing great signs of improvement. Turning a losing streak into one victory at a time.

However, in our spiritual lives, would this have the same meaning? We don't always feel as if we are moving from success to success, but perhaps this is where we understand that the strength we spring from is not our own. We can move from 'strength to strength', when we acknowledge that the foundation of all our movement comes from Jesus Christ.

Thought: As we come to rest in Christ's love for us, may this move us from strength to strength.

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.

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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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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."

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Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees

In sharing on Hebrews 12 this week, I definitely feel that verse 12and 13 are my highlights. I offer them to you and pray that they may be a blessing to you.

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (NIV)

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. (NLT)

"So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!" (The Message)

I pray that God would strength your tired hands and shaky knees. May you know his strength as you walk forward in faith. 

If you would like to listen to the audio podcast of the Bible Study, you are welcome to click here.

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What does it mean to be meek?

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:6

In our modern times the word 'Meek' has sadly come to mean: A doormat. Or someone who is spineless, or subservient or even passive. But surely it means more than this? 

It was Aristotle who used the Greek word ‘praus’ (from which we get the word meekness) to describe the happy medium between ‘extreme anger’ and ‘being excessively passive.” He had the habit of defining every virtue by comparing 2 extremes and then resting in the middle of the two in a ‘happy medium.”   

So then, we could paraphrase Matthew 5:6 with these words: “Blessed is the person who is always angry at the right time, and never angry at the wrong time.”

The other usage of the word ‘praus’ is the same as to speak of an animal that has been domesticated - for example, think of a Stallion. It is an animal that has learnt to accept control from its owner, but it also has the power to cause harm if let loose. 

I guess, the main idea behind the word “meek” was strength under control - so, it is therefore not ‘weaknesses at all.

Thought: How does this sit with you? Do you find it easy to find this perfect balance?

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Pushed to my knees!

When Paul proclaimed that he was okay about his weaknesses, because they allowed God's strength to be revealed (2 Corinthians 12), I wondered how I could get to that same place. To be content in all situations is a hard journey to take.

However, as I re-read these words, from Eugene Peterson's paraphrase (The Message), I began to understand more of what this would require from me. And in truth, it is the simple knowledge, that when I am pushed down by my weaknesses and struggles, then I am moved into the best pose for honest prayer!

^7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:1-12

Action: If you would like to listen to my 20-minute podcast reflection on this passage, you are welcome to follow this link. 

Living in Grace

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P.S. Please let me know if the link works for the podcast. Thanks so much 

Red Bull - it can give you wings!

The energy drink, Red Bull, boasts that it can 'give you wings' and make you fly through life. Although it is a modern drink, one wonders if John Wesley had something like Red Bull in his day. The reason I say this is because according to biographers, John Wesley rode 60-70 miles per day (on horseback remember), preached 3 sermons a day (on average). It is estimated that he preached close on 42000 sermons in his lifetime. 

In his 83rd year, Wesley wrote in his diary: "I am a wonder to myself. I am never tired, either with preaching, writing or travelling." 

Do you see what I mean? He must have been sipping some Red Bull on his horse :)

But seriously, the only thing he would put forward as a logical reason for his energy and stamina, would be the 'Grace of God' and the power of the Holy Spirit. You can't keep going like that, without the power of God's supernatural favour and grace.

1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Thought: Are you relying on your own strength at the moment, or are you trusting in the power of God's spirit? May God grant you his strength and grace today.

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Take my hand

There are many stories of how difficult circumstances have birthed songs, books or poems. The songwriter, Thomas Dorsey, wrote the words to "Precious Lord, take my hand", after hearing of the tragic death of his wife and infant son. I can't imagine the pain he must have been experiencing, but I find it remarkable how he was able to put his emotions into these words. I believe that these words can offer us all some hope and courage in our own times of difficulty. 

Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river, I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:

Psalm 73:23 - Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

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Remembering that God will help us to face all obstacles

Hudson Taylor – “All God’s giants have been weak people who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.”

As these words began to sink into my mind, I thought of all the 'spiritual giants' in the Bible and realised that Hudson Taylor is right. The reason why they all did great things for the Lord is because they remembered that God was always with them. This doesn't mean that they didn't encounter tough times, but their faith's foundation was built on the promises of God. 

Do you know that God is with you? What stops you believing this?

We note the confidence in young David when he stood up to Goliath. He knew God would deliver him from the hands of the giant. 

"The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” - 1 Samuel 17:37

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Through the strength of God

“We are used to viewing the early apostles as superstars on a pedestal that we can easily forget that they were pitifully inadequate for the task which they were given.” – Phil Moore

This quote brings us back to the reality that the disciples were simply 'human', just like we are. They allowed the Holy Spirit to equip them and strengthen them for all the tasks that lay ahead, even when they didn't know what these would be. How often have we been confronted with a task or situation that we have felt ill-equipped for, and God has come through for us? I know that this has happened to me many times.

Thought: What are you facing today that you need to be reminded of God's strength and provision?

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13

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Let us hold fast

Certain words we use in the English language sometimes lose their intended meaning along the way - or we associate other things with the original word. 

Take for example the word, FAST. Most of us would assume that this word is relating to the speed of a person or object. Example: That person can run very fast!

However, this word can also be used in a different context, and it can mean something very different. It can relate to something holding very securely to another object. (The child held fast to the ladder). It speaks of how securely we hold onto someone or something. Or it can even mean 'to abstain from food.'

The writer of the Hebrews says: Let us hold unswervingly (fast) to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (10:23)

There are many things that can threaten our faith, and these can erode our ability to hold 'fast' to Christ. The call for us to hold onto Jesus is loud and clear, but we all need encouragement along the way. 

As we move deeper into January, may we resolve to hold fast to Christ.

“That exhortation, ‘Let us hold fast,’ might well be written on the cover of every Christian’s Bible. " - Charles Spurgeon

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What are you leaning on as you begin 2024?

The New Year is already a few days in and many of us are starting to grasp the reality of the challenges that lie ahead. As we grapple with the difficulties of life, I have been asking myself, what am I leaning on, as I face these inevitable hurdles? Or perhaps the question should be phased: Who are we leaning on? 

I pray that we would make the firm choice to lean on the mercy and grace of Jesus, as we begin each day. 

He is all that we need to face the year ahead.

Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

Song of Songs 8:5 - "Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?

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Infused with strength

Can you remember the first Scripture verse you ever learnt? The first one I remember learning was: “I can do all things through Christ who give me strength!” – which is from Philippians 4:13. Even though I learnt these words nearly 35 years ago, they still hold true in my present circumstances and have helped me through many situations that I have faced. 

As you are probably aware, I love reading the Bible in different versions and I have found some to be of help in getting to grips with the meaning of the passage:

·       "I can do all things though him who infuses me with strength…" - NKJV 

“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." – The Message

I pray that the Lord would 'infuse' you with the strength you need today.

Living in Grace

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