Strengthen by Grace

"It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so." - HEBREWS 13:9

The writer to the Hebrews uses an interesting concept in this chapter when he speaks of our 'hearts being strengthened by grace.' I wonder what he is hinting at? 

Is it possible that the believers had become stuck in their belief that certain foods would have spiritual benefits in their lives? And so, he is trying to counter this thought by arguing that our hearts are actually strengthen through the grace of God instead. 

What do you think?

Living in Grace

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My helper - your helper!

"So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. 
What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 and Psalm 118:6)

Taking a scripture verse out of its context can be a dangerous thing, as we don't allow it to speak to us with the whole weight of the words either side of the verse. 

Take today's reading as an example. The message is clear enough in that we can affirm that God is our helper and therefore, we don't need to be afraid of the threats of other people. However, this is only half the truth - there is a lot more to glean from the verse...

...verse 6 starts off by stating: "So, we can say with confidence...". We should be asking, what is the "SO" referring to? And to get the answer we need to read the preceding verses, particularly verse 5.

"For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV)

Our confidence comes from this amazing promise: God says he will never leave us, nor forsake us, which opens our hearts and mouths to proclaim with great confidence: 

God has got my back and so I don't need to be afraid of the hollow threats of people.

Living in grace

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How long would you be willing to wait?

How long would you be willing to wait for the fulfilment of a promise? Most of us struggle to wait even a few days or weeks, but what would you do if these weeks turned into years? I think about how Moses needed to wait around 25 years for the fulfilment of God's promise:

"For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“I will certainly bless you,
and I will multiply your descendants beyond number."

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. - Hebrews 6:13-15

John Ortberg - Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.

Thoughts: How long have you waited for the fulfilment of a promise?

Living in Grace

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Faithful to the Lord

"For he (Jesus) was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house." - Hebrews 3:2

This passage speaks to us of two directions of faithfulness:

1. To God - who has called us.

2. To others - who are placed in our lives.

Both of these require God's inner strength and a willingness to humbly serve. Sometimes we think that these will only be done in bigger dramatic ways, but actually, they should be a lot more simple and practical. I like what FB Meyer suggests:

“Don’t' waste your time waiting and longing for large opportunities which may never come. But faithfully handle the little things that are always claiming your attention.” - F.B. Meyer.

Living in Grace

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Moving towards Courage

"But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.” – Hebrews 3:6

I had never really considered 'Courage' to involve some kind of movement or action. By this I mean that an obvious end-result of courage is usually some kind of action, but are there some steps we can take to get this courage? If you look at the following verses, you will note that there seems to be some action involved:

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Chronicles 17:25 - “You, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. So, your servant has found courage to pray to you.

Matthew 14:27 - But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

All of these scriptures seem to suggest that we can position ourselves to "be courageous"; "find courage" or "take courage."

I am not 100% sure what this looks like, but I am sensing that our confidence in Christ's promises has something to do with our willingness to move towards Courage. What do you make of this? How can we move towards this Christ-like Courage? 

Living in Grace

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Be Focused!

 

"And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest."

- Hebrews 3:1

When we want someone to take note of something important, we may ask them to 'listen carefully' or 'be focused.' The writer of Hebrews wants us to concentrate on the message he was to share with the people. He wants them to think carefully - he wants them to fix their attention on Jesus.

What does this mean for you today? How do we think carefully on Christ? Do we easily lose focus on what Christ has done for us?

Henri Nouwen - "Pay attention to the people God puts in your path if you want to discern what God is up to in your life." 

Living in grace

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Fixing your eyes

 

If we want to walk in straight line (relatively) it is best to have a fixed point to aim towards. The temptation to go off course is great, unless we can keep our eyes on this point. 

“No ploughman ever ploughed a straight furrow looking back over his shoulder.” (William Barclay)

As we walk into the future may we keep our eyes on Jesus - he is the best 'fixed' point we could ever as for.

Hebrews 12:2 - "... fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Living in Grace

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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

Living in Grace

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Doing the work

On the 1st of May many countries around the world pause and celebrate Workers Day (also known as Labour Day or May Day). It is a call to remember the rights of all workers and to draw attention to issues of social justice and plight of millions of people. Each country has its own unique story in this regard and South Africa is no exception. 

The Bible speaks about 'work' in many of the various books, with 56 of the 66 books mentioning work in some form or another. From this we can conclude that work is an integral part of being a human being. Of course, not every person enjoys their work, and many people dream of doing something else, but work is part of who we are. 

Today I want to take a look at a different perspective on work, where the scriptures invite us to put our time and energy into working for peace and love. 

Hebrews 12:14 - Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life...

2 Timothy 4:5 - Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

May the Spirit of Christ work in our hearts so that we may glorify him:

2 Corinthians 12:9 - Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Living in Grace

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Let us spur one other on

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." - Hebrews 10:24

Spurring one another on is an interesting thought, especially if we think about what a ‘SPUR’ really is. A horse SPUR is a device with a small spike on the end or a spiked wheel, that is worn on a horse rider's heel. It is used for urging a horse forward or encouraging it to listen to instructions. 

I am not sure if we would like one another to use a spiked wheel to encourage us in our faith, but I think we understand the sentiment. There are times when we need our Christian family to strongly keep us focussed and on track.  

Another definition of the word 'spur', is perhaps a little less painful - it is to “give an incentive or encouragement to (someone).”

Thought: Who needs an encouraging word today? How are you able to spur someone onto 'love and good deeds?'

Living in Grace

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Getting rid of the junk

In the last few days, we have had the chance to tidy up a few cupboards and drawers in the house. It is amazing how much junk we end up keeping, don't you think?! 

I found pieces of paper and ten-year-old bank statements, along with things that should have been thrown away years ago. I kept asking myself: "Why did I keep that? What was I thinking?"

Anyway, the purge has been done (for this year) and I am sure that I have kept some items that will confound me in ten years' time - I will probably be asking myself similar questions to the one's I asked this weekend. 

The whole process got me thinking about the rest of our lives - spiritual, emotional and relational. 

What junk do we hold onto? 

Are there things in the dark recesses of our hearts that we need to clean out? 

What is stopping us and why do we hold onto unnecessary garbage? 

Here is a delightful piece of Scripture that was re-worded by Eugene Peterson: 

"So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he’s told us this quite plainly—he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered" (Hebrews 12:25-27).

Living in Grace

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Struggling with discontentment?

There are so many of us struggling with discontentment at the moment. I joked with a friend the other day, suggesting that if I could manufacture a pill that could offer people 'contentment' I would be a very rich man. 

The reality is that there is no such quick fix solution. I am discovering that contentment is a life-long process in which we have to actively decide to become more content. It sounds a little strange, but the more we wrestle with our discontent, the closer we can move towards peaceful content. 

So, what robs us of deep contentment? What stumbling blocks trip us up on the journey towards becoming content?

Here are some helpful words from the Bible, which I pray will guide us towards this illusive gift.

Job 36:11 - If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.

Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Philippians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Once you have learnt the secret of contentment please share it with others.

Living in Grace

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Dying to things

In his delightful work Sharing the Foundations, Paul Tillich writes that "the new is created out of the death of the old." Of course this can relate to many different aspects of life, work and even relationships. 

However, I wanted to ask what this could possibly mean for us in a Faith context? And especially in the season of Lent.

What would the 'old' refer to and how will the 'NEW' be created out of that?

Hebrews 9:15 - "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."

I am drawn to the image of Christ's body that is laid to rest in the tomb - the death of the old. And then the Resurrected body of Jesus appears from that same tomb (the new created out of this). I am not sure if that makes sense, but I will start from there for today.

Living in Grace

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Going Home

Our Lent reflection today is share by Ken Gerhardt - thanks for your contribution Ken.

Romans 8:11 (HCSB) "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring (quicken) your mortal bodies to life...”

I remain blown away that the very same Holy Spirit lives in me at this moment, this hour –today and yes, 2,021 years later remains ever-present to all who believe! How can I not be overwhelmed? He, our Lord God that raised Jesus from the dead, has promised to quicken my body back to life (Romans 8:23 NIV)!

Yes, of course, I wait eagerly and groan deep within for Christ Jesus to come back and to take me home at long last... [Romans 8:18-30 is the cream & cherry on top of Holy Scripture.]

My Prayer: “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:37 (NIV)

Living in Grace

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Question to ponder: How does it make you feel that the same Spirit that lived in Moses, Elijah and Jesus is living in us? 

Hold unswervingly

 

^"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23

This was one of the verses from our Sunday message today. There is so much power and truth in this short verse, that I think we should pause and contemplate it in more detail. These are the things that stand out for me:

1. I need to hold onto Jesus's promises...

2. Hope is not just a vague ideal, but something (someone) we need believe in ...

3. God keeps his promises...

4. God is Faithful when all else is crumbling around us...

So as you head off into the new week why don't you take this verse with you? God bless you.

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." (NLT)

"So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word." (The Message)

Living in Grace

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Wash away the mud

 

 
"If by life rightly led, you wash away the mud that has been put on your heart, the Godlike beauty will again shine out in you." - Gregory of Nyssa

The words of Gregory reminded me that we all have the imprint of God upon our lives, but the troubles we face, the sins we commit and the struggles we endure, all throw mud onto our hearts. When we realise this, we need to ask the Spirit of God to wash away all the dirt and help us to shine again.

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22

Living in Grace
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Losing heart

If you ever feel as if you are losing heart then follows these wonderful words of advice from Paul:

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:3

He tells us to think about Jesus (consider him) and all that he went through. When we do this we remind ourselves that Christ is for us and that he will be with us. 

Jesus is our overcomer!

"Don't lose heart if it's very difficult at times, everything will come out all right..." - Vincent van Gogh

Living in Grace
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Discontentment

One of the hardest thing to master in this life will be Contentment. We struggle to come to a place of feeling satisfied with the things in our lives. We ask questions such as these:

When will I have enough? 
Why is this wrong? 
When will this change? 
Why can't that person be different? 

In reflecting on this topic, Benjamin Franklin once remarked:  "Contentment makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor." 

The writer to the Hebrews adds his clear voice on this issue: 


"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”(Hebrews 13:5)

Question: What is the one thing that is causing you discontent at the moment? Is God perhaps trying to teach you something through this particular situation? 

Living in Grace
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