What pleases God

Hidden away in a verse in Timothy we catch a glimpse of something interesting. Paul suggests that we can please God with the way we pray about issues and people. See what you think:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Saviour…”

The first thing I notice in these words is that we can present our requests to God in many different forms:

Petitions, Prayers, Intercession, Thanksgiving...

Which one of these types of prayer do you find the most difficult at the moment? 

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado

Then Paul says that we should pray for all in authority, as this can impact upon our own lives. We pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful lives. Interesting, hey? What are your thoughts?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Great mercy

Daniel 9:18 - We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

Daniel reminds us of the mercy of God in this particular verse. I have been quite saddened to see how many Christians like to dwell on the vengeance and anger of God. I know that there will come a time when God has to wrap things up and judgement will come, but I believe the world also needs to be reminded of his mercy at this point in time. 

"My trust in God flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I'm sick or in good health, whether I'm in a state of grace or disgrace. He comes to me where I live and loves me as I am." - Brennan Manning

And it is because of God’s great mercy that I know I can approach the throne of Grace.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

When the mountains move

 

Following on from our theme of mountains in yesterday's post, we take a look at another mention of the moving of mountains.

"For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you." - Isaiah 54:10

 

This time we see a clear promise coming through from the words of Isaiah. He reminds us that even if the mountains disappear, which would obviously be a drastic event, God would still be faithful and sure. 

 

This idea is such a beautiful reminder to me of God's covenant of Love.

 

What excites you about today's scripture?

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Lifting the Elephant

 

What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples: “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:20)

If he was speaking about literal mountains then I feel like a huge failure. I am yet to move any physical mountains and it isn't for the lack of trying. However, if Jesus was speaking about issues, things, and situations that seem like MASSIVE MOUNTAINS to us, then I believe we will see God move these! 

What do you think about this?  

"With a stout heart, a mouse can lift an elephant" - Tibetan Proverb

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The rainbow in our souls

 

"The soul would have no rainbows, had the eyes no tears" - John Vance Cheney

It may be a cliche, but there is truth in the fact that a rainbow only appears after the storm (rain). The quote reminds us that God doen't waste our tears and is always wanting to bring something good out of our pain. The story of the Resurrection is the greatest reminder of this truth. Even Mary of Bethany experienced the same thing. 

"Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair." - Luke 7:38 

 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The web of life

Shakespeare once said: "The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together..."

The older I get the more I realise this to be so true. The web of our lives is sometimes like a ball of yarn that has got completely mixed up! Trying to unravel the knots in the yarn is almost impossible. Our lives mirror this messy yarn - we have the good, bad and ugly all mixed up together in one. We just pray that God can help us figure things out!

2 Chronicles 14:11 - “O Lord,” he cried out to God, “no one else can help us! Here we are, powerless against this mighty army. Oh, help us, Lord our God! For we trust in you alone to rescue us, and in your name we attack this vast horde." 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

 

What must we do?

The last two years has seen a greater number of people really questioning their sense of purpose in life. It is interesting how a global "shake-up" can cause so many people to rethink their present circumstances and to ask the BIG questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose on earth?

In our reading from Esther 4 we note how she was challenged about acknowledging her purpose and thankfully she was able to do this. The scriptures speak a lot about this topic too:

·       Exodus 9:16 - But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Psalm 33:11 - But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

As you wrestle with this question what do you sense the Lord is saying to you?

Living in Grace

D3LM3