Remembrance Day and the 1000-year-old Rose

The 11th of November is marked as Remembrance Day and most of us are aware of the history attached to this auspicious day. It is always a good practice to pause and remember the impact of war; to be thankful for the freedom's won; to mourn the millions of lives lost; to ponder whether we have learnt anything from these cataclysmic events; to pray that we will never allow them to occur again.

I recently finished a remarkable book on the Second World War, and I came to learn about the 1000-year-old rose (see the picture attached). This rose is also known as the Rose of Hildesheim, and it grows on the apse of the Hildesheim Cathedral, a Catholic cathedral in Hildesheim, Germany. Some scholars believe it may have been alive even as far back as 815 AD which is truly phenomenal. 

The reason I am mentioning this remarkable rose is because during the Allied bombing of Hildesheim in 1945, a large portion of the Cathedral was destroyed, including the visible part of the rose. All seemed to be ruins, until a while later, the rose began to grow and blossom again. It stands over 20 meters tall to this day. 

As a Christian, I believe that we should reflect on the tragedy of war, death and disaster with a different perspective. Of course, we are not immune from the pain and heartache of this broken world, but we should always hold onto the hope of the New Life in Christ. The Resurrection speaks to this truth, every day of our earthly existence.

Let us remember, that just when all seems to be lost, Christ can still bring renewal and life. 

Titus 3:5 - "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

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

D3LM3

Control

"You only have control over three things in your life - the thoughts you think, the images you visualise and the actions you take (your behaviour)." - Jack Canfield

I am not sure if I agree with the statement that I only have control over these 3 things (maybe there are a few more), but I do agree with the notion that I must be accountable for my thoughts, my actions and what I look at. The Bible has been teaching us this for years, but people don't like to be told what to do. When Paul wrote this letter to Titus he instructed him to raise up godly leaders and Christ-followers:

Titus 2:12 - It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

What do you feel?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

New Life

Spring is upon us and with the change in Seasons comes the hope of change and expectation of new life. Here is a lovely prayer for Spring, which has been adapted by John Newton.

"Lord, afford a spring to me,
Let me feel like what I see;
Speak, and by your gracious voice,
Make my drooping soul rejoice. 
On your garden deign to smile,
Raise the plants, enrich the soil;
Soon your presence will restore
Life to what seemed dead before."

(from a hymn by John Newton taken from Guideposts)

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."

Living in Grace
D3LM3