A thought for Saint Patrick's Day

The 17th of March is a day that marks the memory of Saint Patrick and this year I am especially struck by how one person can make a difference all over the planet. We are bombarded daily by the negative influence of many powerful people, and sadly their lives do impact upon all of us. However, today I want to give thanks for the millions of people who bring love, kindness and hope to our world. We may not all be a Saint Patrick, but our lives can touch the hearts of others.

Here are a few quotes attributed to Patrick. 

“I am certain in my heart that all that I am, I have received from God.”

“Behold, I give my soul to my faithful God, whom I serve as his ambassador.”

“It is Christ who is my great master, who inspires me and strengthens me in all things.”

Thought: It is important to remember that Patrick's early years were filled with pain and suffering, as he was taken captive as a young man in Ireland. However, he remembered these years as a time of refining and change. God renewed his heart in such a powerful way that he chose to go back to Ireland to share God's love with his former captors. 

Living in grace

D3LM3

Indelible Ink

The word "Indelible" is often used in the context of writing and means - "what has been written cannot be forgotten or erased". I guess it could also refer to tattoos and how they leave a permanent story on your body.

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon a book in the local library entitled "Indelible Ink" (by Scott Larsen) and it has an interesting take on Faith and Influence. Scott Larsen asked a number of prominent Christians to reflect on the 3 books that had influenced their Christian lives the most.

Reading the insights of these well known Christian leaders was fascinating. One of the things I realised is how God used the written word to impact the lives of every one of these people. It was as if God intentional brought a special book across their paths, so that it would bring them closer to faith.

If we had to ask ourselves a similar question, how would we respond? Has their been a influential book in your Christian experience (apart from the Bible). What was it about this book that shaped your relationship with Christ?

I suppose I can't ask you the question without answering it myself; so here are my 3 books (although it was tough to decide on just 3).

The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
What's so Amazing about Grace, Philip Yancey
Ordering your Private World, Gordon MacDonald


Even as I list these 3 I find that there are another 10 that come to mind, but I will stick with these for today. Perhaps my list will be different tomorrow :)

Grace and Peace
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Exodus 32:33 - God said to Moses, “I’ll only erase from my book those who sin against me. For right now, you go and lead the people to where I told you. Look, my Angel is going ahead of you.

Influence and Reform

 

In Christian circles (especially in Protestant churches) we note that the 31 October is remembered as Reformation Day. However it is important to note that for Christians REFORMATION is an ongoing event in our lives and not just an historical occurrence. We should be asking God to change us every day and allowing the Spirit to help us influence the world for Jesus.

In light of this, I think the words of J. Gresham Machen are very apt for our Church today:

"For Christians to influence the world with the truth of God's Word requires the recovery of the great Reformation doctrine of vocation. Christians are called to God's service not only in church professions but also in every secular calling. The task of restoring truth to the culture depends largely on our laypeople."

We must move away from the tendency to assume that the clergy are the only ones who can represent Christ in the world. This is false doctrine. Every one of us, who identifies with Jesus Christ, is called to be a 'transformer.'

2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Power of Influence

Last night I was struck again by the power of Influence. We had a special service to say "Thank You" to all the teachers in our broader community. It was lovely to recognise these incredible people and to honour the time and hours they put into educating our children and ourselves. If I reflect over the many teachers who have shaped my life I am so GRATEFUL for their care and guidance.

So here is my point: We should never underestimate the power of our own Influence, even if we are not 'teachers' per se. The words we use and the example we set will definitely shape the lives of others. So, who are you influencing today?

Jesus is remembered for both his words and actions. His influence has shaped the course of history and we are blessed by his example.



"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Adams

Proverbs 11:11 - The good influence of godly citizens causes a city to prosper, but the moral decay of the wicked drives it downhill.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The power of Influence

"Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another." - George Eliot

Is there someone who has influenced your life? It could be from a spiritual perspective, or someone who has influenced your career, sport or even your hobby? Influence is such a powerful thing and we should never underestimate it.

Reflecting on Thomas a Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" I can see how he influenced John Wesley in many ways. One of the things which Wesley introduced was an Annual Covenant service, where Christians we encouraged to renew their commitment to Jesus. The words of the Covenant prayer are profound and challenging, but I ask you to read these words from Thomas a Kempis and spot the similarity with the Covenant prayer.

"Do with me whatever you choose, because it can only be good. If you want me to be in darkness, I will bless you; if you want me to be in light, I will bless you again. If I am comforted, I will be grateful; and If I am afflicated, I will be equally grateful...

... for you sake, I will gladly bear what I must, wherever it may be. I will accept good and evil, sweet and bitter, joy and sorrow, and for all of it I will give you thanks."

So, as you go about your tasks today, stop and think what influence you may have on someone else. We just never know what we may pass on to someone else.

Living in Grace

D3LM3