Set up the markers and signs

All hikers know that when you are on the trail you need to look out for the cairns along the way. Once you have spotted them it is tradition that you add a rock to the pile - this is so that others may notice the cairn on their hiking adventure and also so that we can spot it on the way back. 

This is what Jeremiah was eluding too when he spoke to the people of Israel on their way to exile. He wanted them to remember their way back home.

"Set up road signs;
    put up guideposts.
Mark well the path
    by which you came.
Come back again, my virgin Israel;
    return to your towns here." - Jeremiah 31:21

What 'signposts' or 'cairns' help you find your way back to Jesus?

Eugene Peterson wrote -

“Set up signposts to mark your trip home. Get a good map.
Study the road conditions.
The road out is the road back.
Come back, dear virgin Israel,
come back to your hometowns."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Remember how it felt?

When we were a lot younger, Kim and I enjoyed a season of travelling overseas. Our adventures took us to many foreign countries and on the odd occasion we found ourselves LOST in a strange land. These were in the days before cell-phones and Google-maps, so if we couldn't rely on a printed map, we had to ask a "human-being" for directions. It was always such a relief to find our way again and end up at our destination.

Can you remember a time when you have been lost? It doesn't feel good does it?
I feel that as Christ-followers we tend to forget what it feels like being lost. We may have been in the church for so long that we literally can't remember how it feels anymore.

As we commit to follow Jesus let us also be on the look out for those who may have found themselves lost along the way.

Luke 19:10 - The Son of God came to seek and save the Lost.

Jesus seeks out the lost.
Jesus helps us find our way home.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Stop and ask

The other day a guy flagged us down at a traffic light - he was lost and he needed some directions. Firstly, let me say how much I admired this guy for asking for directions, but secondly, how simple it was for us to point him in the right direction.

Sometimes we find ourselves in a sticky situation, but we are too embarrased to ask for help and for directions. If we allow our pride to get the better of us, we will lead ourselves deeper into our mess, unless we ask for help.

"Show me your right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me
for you are the God who saves me." - Psalm 25:5

Living in grace
D3LM3

Which road to take? - Lent #20

Proverbs 22:5-6 - "Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
    whoever values life will avoid it.

⁶ Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it."

As a father and pastor I have the great responsibility of directing my children and congregation onto the paths of God. It is not as easy as it may seem. We all have our own ideas and personalities (myself included) and so there comes a time when you have to show the WAY and then let people decide for themselves. 

Of course it is equally important to keep walking the right PATH so that others may see that you still believe you chose correctly. The treacherous road always seems to appeal in the beginning, but soon one comes to realise that it is the wrong road. The thorns cut deeply into our souls and we are left ruing our wrong choices.

As we journey towards the Cross and empty Tomb, can I urge us to evaluate which path we are on. Does your road lead to peace, hope and grace? If not, then perhaps you are on the wrong road.

"God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him." - Jim Elliot

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Signposts, Life-maps and directions - Lent 19

Everyday we move past various signs and signposts. Perhaps they tell us street names or what our maximum speed should be or perhaps they even advertise some random product. 

David argues that God also has many signposts for us to take notice of. They show us the right road to travel or which directions to take. They point us in the godly direction, amidst a world of other enticing choices. These "directions" of God are perfect and they pull our lives together. 

"The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God 's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree." -  (Psalm 19:7-9 MSG)

God's signposts can be trusted because his reputation is flawless. We know that he won't lead us astray with his directions.

Look for God's signposts in the Bible and then follow them.

Living in grace

D3LM3