As the Crow flies

I am sure that you have heard the saying before, "As the crow flies?"
It has come to mean, "the shortest distance between 2 points" and when we use the idiom it usually relates to that. The irony of this saying is that crows don't actually fly as straight as they could - they usually fly in zigzags or arcs, looking for their food. Anyway, regardless of the reliability of this idiom, we still use it and we all understand what it means.

So, when it comes to following Jesus, why do often take the longer route? Why do we choose to go on our own path, when there is a direct route to Him. I think we would save ourselves a lot of time and heartache if we stayed closer to God, instead of marking our own tracks.

So, here is a challenge for all of us today. Take the quickest path to God - don't rely on your own agenda, but trust in God to meet your every need. Let's fly with the crows and rest in the presence of God.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Bonaventure

Bonaventure was born, Giovanni di Fidanza, and was considered to be one of the Doctor's of the Church. His deep thinking and love for God challenged many people of his generation. It is impressive that his legacy lives on, even today. Most of us will say things that will never be passed onto future generations, but Bonaventure is an example of someone who other people loved to quote. 

Here are a few of his quotes:

When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than the proceedings from the mouth.   

Since happiness is nothing other than the enjoyment of the highest good and since the highest good is above, no one can be happy unless he rises above himself, not by an ascent of the body, but of the heart.  
Lord Jesus Christ, pierce my soul with your love so that I may always long for you alone, who are the bread of angels and the fulfillment of the soul's deepest desires. May my heart always hunger for you, so that soul may be filled with the sweetness of your presence.








Three things are necessary to everyone ... truth of faith which brings understanding; love of Christ which brings compassion; endurance of hope which brings perseverance.

I like this last quote the most. May these 3 things bring your joy today - Faith (understanding), Love (compassion) and Hope (perseverance)! 

Living in Grace
D3LM3 

Act like you are in love

                                                                                  "Do not waste time bothering whether you LOVE

your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him." - C.S. Lewis 

Our generation is obsessed with 'feelings' - when we don't feel something, then we think that it is not real. However real Love can never be based on feelings. History reveals that millions of believers died for their faith under massive persecution - did they 'feel' in love with God in the moments before they died? Probably not! Yet, it was their genuine LOVE for God that irked the pagans and their persecutors.

Read C.S. Lewis' quote again and allow it to inspire us to LOVE with sincerity. We have an immense capacity to love - we may even surprise ourselves.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Dealing with disappointment

It is inevitable. You will have to confront this at some stage or another....disappointment! It takes various forms, but usually involves something/someone not meeting our expectations.

Disappointments happen at work, in our homes, in school contexts and even in the Church. When these knocks come from 'strangers' we tend to get over them a little easier, but when people close to us let us down, then the disappointment hurts even more acutely. There are times when these disappointments seem to come from God and they leave us feeling bewildered.

Whatever your disappointments may be, know that Jesus Christ had to deal with his fair share of let downs and hurt. One of the men he chose to be his closest confidant (Judas) betrayed Jesus for a few coins. Some members of his own family misunderstood him at times. The people he initially came to bring the Gospel too, rejected him and plotted to kill him. If anyone understands your pain, it is Jesus.

Paulo Coelho - “When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.” 

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” - Alexander Pope

What are you planning to do with your disappointments today?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Locked up

You have heard the illustration before, but perhaps we need to hear it again. The Law gives us boundaries for faith and life, but when we break the Law, it is almost as if sin keeps us captive. We are held in bondage, with no help in sight. However, that is where Jesus steps in. It is his love and life that break the combination to the 'locks' that sin uses to control us. He sets us free and that is Good News indeed.

²² But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe.
²³ But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. ²⁴ And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith.- Galatians 3:22-24

If you are feeling trapped by sin, remember that Jesus has already given us the key to unlock the chains that bind us.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Leaning into God

Someone once described faith as - “To lean your whole weight upon!” 

I love this definition of faith. It implies that I need to lean into the promises of God and to trust that these promises will hold me in every part of my life. However, it is more than just leaning into a promise, but actually "upon a person" - that person is Jesus.

The more we lean our whole lives upon these promises the more we trust them - it becomes second nature to us then. Then we don't even think twice about trusting God with our problems and issues. 

Why don't you lean into God this morning? Why don't you trust him with your life's decisions and your issues. Give it a try.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

It's gone public...

When Paul wrote his letter to Titus he makes a big deal of God's forgiveness and grace. God is always ready to give and forgive - the news is now out and we can't keep it secret anymore. Here is what he had to say:

God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. (Titus 2:11-14 MSG)

Don't keep it a secret anymore - God's love is public and he is ready to bless.

Living in Grace
D3LM3