Are you looking for some direction?

"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way." - Thomas Aquinas

As we embark upon any activity today let us commit to take Christ with us. This may seem like a simple thing to do, but how many times do I rush out the door in the mornings, without offering my day to Jesus? 

And as we face challenging tasks in the day, wouldn't it make us feel more at peace, if we could say: "Lord, Jesus, you are MY way. Help me to keep my eyes on You."

Thought: If you are seeking direction in your life, why don't you start with making Christ your center, your way, your life? Once we have this in place, we can trust that God will lead us on into the unknown.

Psalm 5:8 - Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Open my eyes to see clearly

"Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell." - Psalm 119:18-20 (Living Bible)

Although there is still a lot in the Bible that confuses me, I am grateful that God has helped open my eyes to the many wonders that are inside each book. I believe that when we are sincere about appreciating the beauty of the Scriptures, God will reveal his truth to us. 

The second idea in today's reading is an honest confession that we don't always know the right 'way.' We can easily take the wrong path at times. We are pilgrims on a journey, and we need a good map to help us along the way. God has offered us the best guidebook ever created - his instructions will get us safely to our destination. 

May God continue to lead you guide you. Be strong and courageous.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Paving the way

"God not only begins, but conducts to the end, the work of our salvation, that his grace in us may not be useless and unprofitable. As he opens up the way, he paves it, and removes the obstacles of every description, and is himself the leader during the whole journey. In short, he continues his grace towards us in such a manner that he at length brings it to perfection." - John Calvin

As we read these words is there a passage from scripture that comes to your mind?

Perhaps I can prompt us a little...

... John 14:6?

... Isaiah 35:8?

If you have the time to search these two passages you will find the answer in each one of them. For me, the key in this quote and in the scriptures is that God's grace continues with each one of us, as we journey on the way. Instead of creating obstacles for us, God paves the way.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A different way

“Endeavour to be inclined always:

Not to the easiest, but to the most difficult;
Not to the most delightful, but to the most distasteful;
Not to the most gratifying, but to the less pleasant;
Not to what means rest for you, but to hard work;
Not to the consoling, but to the unconsoling;
Not to the most, but to the least;
Not to the highest and most precious, but to the lowest and most despised;
Not to wanting something, but to wanting nothing;"

Sixteenth Century Mystic, St.John of the Cross, wrote these words as a way of expressing the different path we take when following Jesus. They are tough words and very challenging for all of us to contemplate. What stands out for you from his thoughts? 

Acts 2:28 - "You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Reorientation

 

Children and families have begun the process of "reorientation" this week as they head back to school, work and further studies. Reorientation simply means to "familiarise ourselves with something again" or to "change direction or focus".

I believe that this is also such an important task for all Christians to undertake. Just as starting a new year comes with its own set of challenges, so the process of doing a spiritual reorientation will also take something out of us. Are we willing to do this?

Joshua 3:4 -  "Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

You have no map!!

 

I heard a story about a friend who was hiking one weekend when he came across a group of hikers who were lost. They asked him for directions and he tried to explain which route they needed to go on. When they seemed a little confused he asked to see their map, so he could point out the route for them. It was at this moment that he was shocked to realise that they had NO MAP on them.

While this may be ok if you are taking a little amble on simple tracks, but when hiking in difficult terrain, you should ALWAYS take a map. And so,it got me thinking - how many people do we know of who are going through life with NO MAP? They have no idea where they are going and are feeling totally confused.

In my experience, following the ways of Jesus have helped me to know which path to take. It is not an easier path, by any means, but it is good to know which direction to head in.

Thought: Are you trying to bash your own path through life or are you following the path that Christ has called you to walk on?

Isaiah 59:8 -  "They don’t know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace..."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

All Saints Day

The first of November marks 'All Saints Day' in many Christian circles and in order to celebrate with others, I am offering 3 delightful quotes from three remarkable people.

“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” - Clare of Assisi

"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent." - St. John of the Cross

"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way." - St. Thomas Aquinas 

Each one of these speaks into different situations of our lives, but perhaps one of these is for YOU today. Enjoy.

Living in Grace

D3LM3