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?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It is easy to complain

It is very easy to make complaints against other people, as well as against the Lord. The commentator (Wolf) remarks:  “How easy it is to believe in the infinite power of God and at the same time to feel that He is unable to meet our personal needs!” And I am sure there are a fair number of us who can relate to these words. 

In trying to remind the Israelites that Yahweh was still sovereign, Isaiah challenged them: "Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? (Isaiah 40:27)

He was imploring them to remember that God does still care for us. Although it may be easy to complain, let us hold onto all the promises that come to us from the Lord. Here is a powerful reminder of this truth. 

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Under the hand of the Shepherd

"Once again shepherds will count their flocks in the towns of the hill country, the foothills of Judah, the Negev, the land of Benjamin, the vicinity of Jerusalem, and all the towns of Judah. I, the Lord, have spoken!" - Jeremiah 33:13

In the midst of a bleak prophecy concerning their future, Jeremiah shares a delightful reminder of God's love for the people. He speaks of how the flocks of sheep will return to the hills and the shepherds will care for them and count them. From being a place of desolation to a place teeming with life!

One commentator suggests that the process that the shepherds may adopt is to allow the sheep to come into the fold, one at a time, passing underneath his hand. This helps him to count them in a controlled way, but also to see if there is anything wrong with them.

As we continue on our journey towards Christmas, may the image of the caring hand of God comfort you and to help us rest in his mighty presence.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Robert Falcon Scott and the Apostle Paul

On this day (12th November) 1912, the diary and body of Robert Falcon Scott were found in Antartica. He had been dead for 8 months already, but no one could retrieve his body because of the extreme weather conditions. 

One of the intriguing things about Scott is how he faced his last few days on earth with fortitude and bravery. There was a certain peace in his heart about the inevitability of death. These are some of his last words, as longed for his loved ones to be taken care of:

"We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker of course and the end cannot be far. It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more. For God's sake, look after our people."

His words remind me a little of the writings of St. Paul. Even when Paul was in prison, he wrote letters filled with hope and always thought of others. Take for example these words from the first chapter of Philippians.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus."

Thought: Do you find it easy to pray for others even when you are going through tough times yourself?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. Just out of interest, you may like to know that my maternal grandfather's name is also Robert Scott. Perhaps that helps explain why I am interested in this bit of historical trivia today :) 

Two contrasting views on wisdom

The author of Proverbs tells us that: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). 

These words are replicated in Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding."

I fully agree with this sentiment - by having a healthy reverence (fear) for the Lord, we are showing a level of wisdom that is humble and healthy. 

However, I came across a quote from Theodore Isaac Rubin, who writes: "Kindness is more important that wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."

What do you make of these thoughts? Is it more important to be kind, than wise? Is this even something to compare? What do you think?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Greatest Disease

“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.” ― Mother Teresa, A Simple Path: Mother Teresa

What do you feel about this quote?

How can you reach out to someone who is need of love?

At the end of the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asked the expert in the law a question:

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” - Luke 10:36-37

Living in Grace

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Obsessed with myself

We live in a world where we are obsessed with ourselves. This plays itself out most clearly on social media platforms, but it is also seen in other avenues. Oscar Wilde once remarked: "Come over here and sit next to me, I am dying to tell you all about myself."

The reality is that we usually steer clear of people who are self-obsessed, because we never really feel that we are valued. Perhaps one of the reasons why people were drawn to Jesus was because he took a genuine interest in their lives and well-being. Take this encounter with Zacchaeus as an example:

"When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” - Luke 19:5

Do you know of someone who needs to feel 'valued' today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

True Friendship

                                             

As we sang this beautiful hymn last week at a memorial service, I was reminded of the friendship that Jesus offers each one of us. And as we contemplate all that Christ brings to this friendship it still baffles me why people choose to say 'no thanks' to this gift. As you read through these familiar words may the Spirit of Jesus fill you with grace and peace.

Living in Grace

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What a friend we have in Jesus,

1. All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there. (Joseph Scriven)
   

Ignoring others

The story of the Good Samaritan is well known in our communities, even outside official church circles. The basic message in the parable is that the religious people, who should have stopped to help the man, didn't stop, but it was the Samaritan who couldn't ignore the mans plight. Even when the Samaritan was expected to walk past, his compassion made him stop and help.

"Instead of ignoring others or stepping over or on them, with the Lord's help, we may be able to open our hearts to all in charity, compassion, and commitment." - Karen Greenwaldt

This is the challenge we live with as Christians. Showing our compassion and charity for others is an indication of our commitment to Jesus.

Luke 10:33-34 - "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him."

Living in Grace
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Does anyone care?

Does anyone care?
This is an interesting question to answer, but before we do let me share this story with you.
I read an article about a young student in New Zealand who died in his hostel room, but no one noticed for 2 months. Can you believe that? That is 8 weeks. 56 days!

Eventually his parents asked the authorities to break into his room because they were getting worried. This story bothers me, because it shows that although we are living in a "connected" world via social media, we are not as connected as we think. This poor guy had to wait 2 months before anyone cared enough to knock on his door.

For this reason, I believe the church plays an important role in helping people connect to one another. This is not just for social reasons, but to keep each other accountable to the faith we profess. Community is vital for our survival in our Christian walk.

"Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to." - Romans 10:16-17 (Message)

Thought: Don't be tempted to withdraw too far from your Christian community, because there is a chance that people may give you the 'space' you ask for, but when you are in desperate need, there may not be anyone to hear your cry for help.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

One day at a time

Have you ever felt as if you are carrying too many burdens? I know that I have felt this way before and although it is hard to put into practise, we all need to try and live ONE DAY at a time. Jesus clearly understood that his followers were burden by many things - BIG things - including poverty, disease, death, illness, oppressive government, religious abuse and hopelessness. Despite all these burdens Jesus still urged his followers to give their cares to him and to walk in faith, one day at a time.

John Newton suggested the same thing:
“We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”

May God grant you the Strength to handle today's trials and Faith to know that Jesus will be there when tomorrows troubles come.

Living in Grace
D3LM3 

Send me something

 
 

If you could ask God to send you any 2 things, what would those two things be? In Psalm 41 the Psalmist asks God to send him two incredible gifts - these things are indispensable in our following the ways of God.
 


"Send me your light and your faithful care,    let them lead me..." - Psalm 43:3

What could you do with LIGHT and CARE? Wouldn't they help you?

What is stopping you from asking God for these 2 gifts today?

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your promise of care and light. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

 

What worry does to you

You have to stop and take notice of your diary when the quote on the bottom of the page says this:

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow;
it empties today of its strength." - Corrie Ten Boom

What are you worrying about today that is draining you and stopping you from enjoying God's blessings? I know that it is sometimes easier said than done, but we do need to take all our worries to God in prayer. Jesus invited us to come to Him with all our trials and struggles.

Luke 12:22 -  [ Do Not Worry ] Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.

Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Living in Grace
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We don't care! - Lent 35

In his stinging message to Edom, Ezekiel reminds them of the words they spoke against Israel.

“For you said, ‘The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the Lord is there!’ - Ezekiel 35:10

They showed trued contempt for the Lord and took no notice of God's presence with his people. The Edomites made an assumption that they could destroy Israel and Judah without reckoning on God's revenge. 

This whole attitude reminds us of the accusations and words thrown at Jesus during his journey to the cross. The venom in the words of the crowds, soldiers and religious leaders assumed that God would sit back idly and do nothing. How very wrong they all were.

Reflection: God cares for those who are under his protection. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

First Love?

 

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." - Revelation 2:4

When John writes to the church in Ephesus he picks up on the biggest issue that has weakened the witness of that church - they have lost their first love. More to the point, they have stopped loving the way they loved at first. This is not a critique on their ability to love, but rather an observation that they have lost their desire to love. 

For a number of reasons this particular church had been distracted by other things - mainly trying to sort out false teachers in her midst. This problem had sapped most of their time and energy, thus leaving them very little time to LOVE the Lord, their neighbours and to care for each other in the church. 

I think we all can relate to how easily this can happen. We don't plan to 'love less', but over time, our focus shifts onto other 'important' issues and soon we are giving God our leftover time, energy and focus. 

Is this something that you are experiencing lately? If yes, then let us LISTEN to what the spirit is saying to us all.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

A fatal capacity - Compassion

"Compassion is the sometimes fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too." -  Frederick Buechner

I wondered why Buechner spoke about compassion being a 'fatal capacity', but on reflection I think it has something to do with being drawn into the world of those who are in pain. We need to 'feel' the pain of people in trouble, but when our compassion causes fatigue in our own lives, then we can be stepping on dangerous territory.

The second part of his words strike me as being very UNSELFISH - it is the ability to realise that my 'peace and joy' can't be fully enjoyed if I know that you are having difficulty. 

2 Kings 13:23 - But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence.

What do you think?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Aaron and Hur

"When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset." - Exodus 17:12

Thank you to everyone who has been an 'Aaron' and a 'Hur' to us over the last few days. We have needed all your support, care and help. It is so encouraging to know that when things get hard, there are people around to help 'lift your hands'. We appreciate every message and prayer - they have all kept us going.

Thought: Be thankful for those people in your life, who keep your hands raised so you can get the work done.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Do you care?

“If you have a heart to make a difference, there is always an answer.

But if you have a heart of indifference then there is never an answer.” – John Maxwell

Most of the time people just don't care. Perhaps I am just being a little harsh - I should rather say, "most people just feel like they don't have the time to care." Our lives are busy and we are rushing from one thing to the next. Sadly, this leads us to become blase and eventually indifferent to the needs around us. Thankfully Jesus always had the time to stop and care for the needs of his people. 

Luke 8:43-44 - As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. ⁴³ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. ⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

SHOW SOMEONE TODAY THAT YOU CARE!

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Gladness and hunger meet.

I love stumbling across inspiring words or quotes. I find that they can be the gem in my day, challenging me as well as speaking into my life. This morning I had one of those moments when I was reading a chapter from "One.Life" by Scot McKnight. In this particular chapter I came across these deeply moving words:

"The place where God calls you is where your deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger" - Frederick Buechner

Wow! How often do we struggle to try and discern God's call for our lives, waiting for the writing on the wall, when it could be as close to us as this? So the very things that bring us joy could be our offering to the world's deep hunger?!

For example, we may love music and be skilled in an instrument - perhaps this is what we need to offer the world right now. Or we may have a love of crafts, baking, knitting, writing, poetry, sport, photography - all of these we could offer to the world as our "gift" to a hungry world. Had you thought about that?

Don't try and offer the world what you don't have - offer what God has already GIVEN to you.

This is what Jesus was trying to explain to the disciples when they were faced with feeding the 5000. The disciples kept thinking of how they were going to get food (or pay for it) from the outside, when Jesus knew that they already had what they needed amongst them.

Living in grace
D3LM3

Pressing in close - Lent #15

Sometimes when our kids are sick they love to jump into bed and snuggle up to us. It doesn't happen as much any more, but on the odd occasion we notice they still like to do it. I believe it has to do with 'the human touch' - when we are not feeling great we need the comfort of another person. It doesn't change our situation, but somehow it makes our illness seem bearable.

So when we are feeling spiritually 'out of sorts', why do we not do the same with Jesus? Why is it that we tend to withdraw from his presence instead of pressing into God's care? I recognise that we can't 'feel' God in the same way as we can experience the touch of another human being, but we can still rest in His presence. God is definitely there for us, in every situation - we need to believe in that promise.

Psalm 73:28 - "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

Living in Grace
D3LM3