Strong right arm

If you have ever wondered if God is left or right-handed, then Psalm 118 is an ideal Psalm to give us an answer:

"The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!
The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph. 

The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!" - v.15-16

Of course, this is just a way of expressing the power of God, and God is probably ambidextrous in any case :) 

I just love the picture of God being there for us, not just as a protector, but also as a comforter. When you think of the 'strong right arm' of the Lord, what comes to your mind?

Psalm 89:13 - Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Building without a foundation

Just before we began building our home, we needed to get the approval of our neighbours. Going from house to house was an interesting experience and, on the whole, it was great to meet our new community. 

One of new our neighbours kindly invited us into their home to show us the bad 'cracks' that had developed over the years and they gave us this advice: 'make sure that you build on solid foundations, because we were in a rush when we built, and we now see the error of our judgement.' 

We took their advice and asked our builder to be extra cautious when digging our foundations and so far it has been a wise decision. I was thinking of this story when I read Luke 6 yesterday:

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Thought: What does it mean for us to 'build on the rock?'

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Remain brave and strong

I have enjoyed reading some of the thoughts of Hildegard of Bingen lately. She lived in the 11th century and was a woman of very deep faith. Hildegard spoke from her own circumstances and was convinced of God's presence with us at all times. These words struck me today:

"Even in a world that's being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong." 

Her words echo the words of Paul, when he wrote to the church in Rome to encourage them to hold onto the promises of God.

"Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." - Romans 4: 20-21

May we remain brave and strong, as we hold onto the promises of Jesus.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Do not be discouraged

I couldn't think of a better word to start this week with. As we head into the tail end of the year, we are all starting to feel weary and tired. Discouragement can sneak into our language and lives. May these words of Joshua remind us that God is on our side and will be with us.

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:8-9

Brennan Manning once wrote: "Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Strong and immovable

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul has a lovely way of encouraging us to persevere. I know that we don't always feel immovable and strong, but his message is important for us to hear. Our work for the Lord cannot be measured in the same way as commercial success, but we need to believe that when we serve God our efforts are making a difference.

"With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (The Message - Eugene Peterson)

Keep serving the Lord and leaving the results up to him. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Let

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." - Colossians 2:7

As we take a few moments to unpack this verse there are a few things worth noting. 

The word "let" implies that we must make a conscious choice to allow our 'roots' to grow down deep into the heart of God.

Then our lives must be "built" on the foundations of God and there is also the attitude of surrender - the word "let" appears again.

Once we allow this process to start, then our faith starts to take root and grows stronger and stronger.

It is interesting to note that the overflow of this decision is thankfulness.

What do you think?

Are you able to "let" God lead and guide you at the moment?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Steadfast

This Psalm came across my path today and it contains a timeous message for many of us. The word "STEADFAST" appears a few times in the opening lines of the Psalm and the message is clear -
We can remain steadfast, because God is STEADFAST.

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make melody.
    Awake, my soul!
² Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn.
³ I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples,
    and I will sing praises to you among the nations.
⁴ For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens,    and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds." - Psalm 108:1-4

May we remain Steadfast in the knowledge that God is with us.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Strong and Immovable

In the midst of crises and difficulty how do you feel? How do you cope?
When Paul wrote to the people of Corinth, they were facing many obstacles and enormous challenges in their faith. He encouraged them:

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

It is my prayer that we would all be strong in the Lord and then allow his Spirit to keep us from being shaken. In my experience, Christianity doesn't help us avoid pain and trouble, but rather our Faith in Christ helps us to stay strong/immovable in the times of trial.

May God be with you today.
Be strong and immovable.

Living in Grace
D3LM3