More than a theory

"Christianity is more than a theory about the universe, more than teachings written down on paper; it is a path along which we journey - in the deepest and richest sense, the way of life. There is only one means of discovering the true nature of Christianity. We must step out upon this path, commit ourselves, to this way of life, and then we shall begin to see for ourselves." - Kallistos Ware

These words speak to us of being willing to step outside of the norm and to walk in the path of Jesus. This is the easiest, and equally, the most difficult thing to do. 

It is easy in that it takes one moment to make that decision; it is the hard, because it involves a deep commitment to follow the path wherever Christ takes us. For this reason, we need to depend on the fullness of God's Spirit. Without the infilling of the Holy Spirit, I don't believe we have a hope of finishing the journey.

Exodus 31:3 - "and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills."

Living in Grace

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Trust in the Lord

The words in the following Proverb are so simple, yet so hard to live out. However, if we manage to truly honour these words, then I believe that we will begin to see God's hand at work in our lives.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Question: Has there ever been a time when you have felt that your 'way' was the best way forward, but it hasn't worked out according to your plan? How did the situation end up and did God show you which path to take in the end?

John 12:44 - Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.

Living in Grace

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A lamp that lights the way

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

"By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path" (Message)

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." (NLT)

No matter what version you read this verse in, it says the same thing. God's Word sheds just enough light for us to take small steps of faith. And this is all that we need at the moment. 

The circle of light, that would be cast from an ancient oil lamp, wouldn't have been close to the brightness of our modern LED lights, but they would have offered sufficient light to give the 'holder' confidence to step forward.

As we turn to God's Word, his wisdom and guidance, shine enough light for us to walk in faith. We can't see the whole pathway, but we can trust that God will lead us down the path, step-by-step.

Living in Grace

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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

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A Lantern

Lazarus Spengler was a 16th Century reformer, who supported Martin Luther during the tumultuous days of the Reformation. He is also known for helping design the "Luther Rose" which became symbol of Lutheranism. 

At one point he wrote: "For my feet your holy word is a lantern, a light that shows me the way forward; as this morning star rises upon us we understand the great gifts that God's spirit has certainly promised us, and in these we have our hope." 

Of course, his words are just an echo of the words of Scripture, where the Psalmist once sang:

"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path." - Psalm 119:105

May God continue to be your lantern during these days of challenge and uncertainty.

Living in Grace

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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
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