Almighty!

Sorry for posting my second post for the day, but just felt I needed to remind us all of this important point.

“Your difficulties are not almighty. The Lord alone is ALMIGHTY.” – Selwyn Hughes

If we give our difficulties reign in our lives, then we shift our focus from God, who is truly ALMIGHTY.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Forgiveness is so hard

Why is it so hard to forgive others?
I wish I had a neat, simple answer for this question, but I don't. I guess because it is so hard, this makes it is such an important thing. If forgiveness was as easy as picking up a few groceries from the store, we wouldn't appreciate it as much. It wouldn't even make a dent on our emotional radar's.

Forgiveness is really life changing. The longer I refuse to forgive others the longer I live in bondage to that person - my unforgiveness gives that person/situation power to rule my life. It also prevents me from fully enjoying the forgiveness offered by God. My decision to hold onto the burden, grudge, and pain means that I haven't got an empty heart to receive God's blessing of forgiveness.

Eugene Peterson - "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. (Matthew 6: 14-15)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Wanting the best for others

I don't know Cameron van den Burgh. I have never met him or even seen him in the flesh, yet last night I cheered for him like I was his best friend. I threw my hands into the air and shouted for him every moment of his 58 second world record swim. I was so proud of him and of being a South African. I wanted him to win and was delighted for him when he stood on the podium.

It's weird, but how do we have so much emotion for someone we don't know? So, it got me thinking about whether we actually want the best for other people? It may be easier to cheer for Cameron, because I am not a threat to him (my 100m Breastwork time is just slightly slower than his - by about 10 minutes) - but can I seek the best for others who are closer to me. My colleagues, my family, my friends? Do I really want the things that are best for them or am I too proud to cheer them on?

Jesus wanted to bring out the best in others - he came to put others before himself. He suggested that we should go and do likewise.

So how about it - will you put someone before yourself today?
Just asking....

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Lord's Prayer with a difference

The Lord's Prayer with a difference (author unknown)

I cannot say "OUR" if I have no room in my life for others and their needs.

I cannot say"FATHER" if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily living.

I cannot say"WHO ART IN HEAVEN" if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot say"HALLOWED BE THY NAME" if I, who am called to bear His name, am not holy.

I cannot say"THY KINGDOM COME" if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.

I cannot say"THY WILL BE DONE" if I am unwilling or resentful of having God's will in my life.

I cannot say "ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.

I cannot say "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD" without expending honest effort for it, or by ignoring the genuine needs of others.

I cannot say "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US" if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say"LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION" if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say"DELIVER US FROM EVIL" if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the ultimate weapon of prayer.

I cannot say"THINE IS THE KINGDOM" if I do not give the kind of disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say"THINE IS THE POWER" if I fear what my neighbours may say or do.

I cannot say"FOREVER" if I am too anxious about each day's events.

I cannot say"AMEN" unless I can honestly say, "cost what it may, this is my prayer."

Have a wonderful day - be blessed.

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Who do you depend on?

If I depend on others for everything, then I will only be disappointed in the long run. If I depend on myself, then I will be equally frustrated. If I put my trust in my company, career, organisation or even church, then I am likely to be let down. However, when I rest my life in the hands of God, then I will be eternally blessed and content.

"When we depend on organisations, we get what organisations can do;
when we depend on education, we get what education can do;
when we depend on man, we get what man can do;
but when we depend on prayer, we get what God can do." - A.C. Dixon

So who are you depending on today?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Olympic verse

As we approach the beginning of the London Olympics, athletes are wrapping up their final preparation. These athlete's will use all kinds of personal techniques to get prepared and focused on their targets. Getting their minds right will be as important as getting their bodies prepared.

Perhaps a verse that we may want to use today in our own spiritual journey's is this one:

"I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14


May God help you in your thoughts, actions and words today.


Living in Grace
D3LM3

Text version of the Lord's Prayer

We are busy doing a preaching series on Prayer and we came across this version of the Lord's Prayer written in 'text' (sms) format. The best way to read it is to do this:

1. Recite the version of the Lord's Prayer you know first.
2. Then read this version.

"dad@hvn, ur spshl. we want wot u want &urth2b like hvn. giv us food & 4giv r sins lyk we 4giv uvaz. don't test us! save us! bcos we kno ur boss, ur tuf & ur cool 4 eva! ok?"

It took me a bit of time to get my head around it, but I guess the new generation of Christians may find something catchy in this version.

Living in Grace
D3LM3