Living in the same house

During these days of Lockdown most of us are learning how to live in the same space with our family (or community) without getting on each others nerves. There are of course some days when we all end up feeling that the 'living space' is a little cramped, don't you agree? However, we know that staying in the same house is good for us and helps flatten the curve.

So, why am I sharing this with you? Well, as I was reading through Proverbs 8, I came to verse 12, where it mentions that 'wisdom' and 'judgement' live together and it is a good partnership. Have a read of these verses and see what benefit there is from bringing out the best in each other.

^"Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding. If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind. “I, Wisdom, give good advice and common sense. Because of my strength, kings reign in power, and rulers make just laws. I love all who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me. Unending riches, honor, justice, and righteousness are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold or sterling silver!" - Proverbs 8:12-19 (Living Bible)

Euripides - "Whosoever neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead for the future."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Getting the goods

Often our prayers are based around pleading with God to give us something. As Jon Courson suggests, we pray to ask God to give us the 'goods' we are asking for. However, in the end, if this is the only reason we pray, then our relationship with God will become very impersonal and business-like. Surely, we would want our prayers to be based on a loving relationship with our gracious God? If it is not like this, then we may as well have a Robot as a divine being and when we want something we just punch in the request and wait for it to be delivered?!

"Prayer is not to get the goods. It is to enjoy the One who is good." - Jon Courson

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Someone you know

When you spend time praying do you find yourself feeling as if you are just reciting a shopping list or mechanically mouthing some words? In truth, prayer can become stale and mundane for many people, but this quote has helped me to remember the essence of why I pray.

"Prayer is a declaration of our dependence on God. It isn't something mechanical you do; it is somewhere you go to meet Someone you know." - Jill Briscoe

I am challenged to remember this when I next pray - to go into that quiet place and think about meeting someone I know - the Living God. I think this may make a world of difference in my prayer time. What do you think?

Living in grace
D3LM3

Jesus doesn't like religion either

To put Jesus in the same sentence as the word 'religion' is not really accurate, in my opinion. Jesus spoke out so strongly against the religious hypocrisy of his age, because he knew that the 'religious' structures had strangled the life out of the best relationship of all - a relationship with the Father.

Religion should be a vehicle through-which one lives out our relationship with God. In other words, Religion needs to be the servant of 'Christianity', not the other way round. I humbly suggest that when Religion becomes our master, we lose all "vital signs" of LIFE in our faith.

"A religion of rules and regulations, practised to achieve status and praise, is only an invitation to slavery and misery. Of itself, religion does not bring joy.” – Warren Wiersbe

I believe that any committed follower of Christ will seek to honour Jesus, and not necessarily religion. There are times in history, where the two (Christianity and religion) have been closely affiliated, but sadly at other times this hasn't been true. 

So, if  'religion' is stifling your faith, then perhaps we need to redefine what the limits of religion are.

James 1: 27 - Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Lessons from life

Kim and I have been married for 12 years today and I admit that she does need a medal for putting up with me. I am not an expert in relationships (you will have to ask those who have been married for 40 or 50 years), but these are few handy tips I have learnt along the way. I think these apply to most relationships or friendships, not just romantic relationships.

1. All relationships require a decision to 'love' regardless of how one feels on a particular day.
2. All relationships are inspired by the ability to say "I am sorry!"
3. All relationships work best when seasoned with grace.
4. All relationships should bring out the best in all people involved.
5. All relationships require work.
6. All relationships depend on trust and mutual respect.
7. All relationships need God in them.

What are your thoughts?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3